THE QUEEN
Written by
Peter Morgan
1.
ARCHIVE TELEVISION FOOTAGE
It's Election Day 1997. Up and down the country, the PEOPLE
OF BRITAIN, people of all shapes and sizes and denominations,
black and white, young and old, are going to the Polls.
Everyone, that is, except the people that live in...
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
The most instantly recognisable Palace in the world.
The Royal Standard, (the flag of heraldic lions and symbolic
harp-strings that signals the Monarch's presence), flutters
on the roof.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CHINESE ROOM DAY
We're in a state room at Buckingham Palace. A TV plays in the
corner..
COMMENTARY
..here's Tony Blair, just 43 years
old, arriving at the polling station
of his constituency in Sedgefield.."
QUEEN ELIZABETH II, wearing formal robes of the Garter, is
posing for an official portrait by an elderly black PORTRAIT
ARTIST, (representative, one assumes, of one of the many
Charities of which she is patron)..
ELIZABETH
Have you voted yet, Mr Crawford?
ARTIST
(proudly dabbing palette)
Yes, Ma'am. I was there when they
opened. First in line. Seven o'clock.
COMMENTARY
If he wins, he'll be the youngest
Prime Minister in almost two hundred
years.."
He straightens..
ARTIST
And I don't mind telling you, it
wasn't for Mr Blair.
ELIZABETH
Not a moderniser, then?
ARTIST
Certainly not. We're in danger of
losing too much that's good about this
country as it is.
TV COMMENTARY
"The only questions that still remain:
how big will his landslide be? And how
extensive, how sweeping will the
modernisation programme be that he
ushers in?"
ELIZABETH
Hmm.
The QUEEN watches as he paints..
ELIZABETH
I rather envy you being able to vote.
(a beat)
Not the actual ticking of the box,
although, I suppose, it would be nice
to experience that ONCE.
(a beat)
But the sheer joy of being partial.
ARTIST
Yes..
The ARTIST squints as he scrutinises the canvass..
ARTIST
One forgets that as Sovereign, you are
not entitled to vote.
ELIZABETH
No.
ARTIST
Still, you won't catch me feeling
sorry for you. You might not be
allowed to vote, Ma'am..
(a beat)
But it IS your Government.
ELIZABETH
Yes.
The QUEEN raises her eyebrow..
ELIZABETH
I suppose that is some consolation.
FADE TO BLACK:
3.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S BEDROOM - DAY
The QUEEN's face. Fast asleep. It's shortly before 8.00 am.
Daylight filters through the curtains. As does something
else..
The stirring sound of bagpipes..
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - INNER COURTYARD - DAY
The inner courtyard of Buckingham Palace. In a ritual
unchanged since Queen Victoria, a uniformed PIPER, wearing a
kilt of Ancient Hunting Stuart tartan, marches under her
Majesty's windows, playing the bagpipes.
t's her morning alarm call, and it's the way she wakes up
wherever she is - anywhere in the world.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - QUEEN'S BEDROOM - DAY
Darkness. A soft knock at the door. (The strains of bagpipes
can still be heard from below). Her Majesty's DRESSER sticks
her head round the corner, with a calling tray of Earl Grey
tea and the newspapers.
MAID
G'morning, Ma'am.
The DRESSER puts the tea and newspapers on a bedside table.
DRESSER
Shall I draw the curtains?
The QUEEN's sleepy voice answers..`Please'. The DRESSER goes
to the window.
ELIZABETH (O.S)
Did you stay up?
DRESSER
Yes, Ma'am.
ELIZABETH (O.S)
And? Was it as expected..?
The QUEEN's hand reaches for spectacles, then for the
newspapers. She puts on her glasses.
RESSER
Yes, Ma'am. Mr Blair, by a landslide.
The QUEEN's expression changes..
4.
ELIZABETH
I see.
She lifts the newspaper up. The front page comes into sharp
focus.
FULL FRAME: the beaming smile of TONY BLAIR, the new Prime
Minister. The QUEEN stares back. Their eyes meet - as it
were. Headlines tell us..
"IT'S BLAIR!", "LANDSLIDE VICTORY FOR BLAIR".
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - BREAKFAST ROOM - DAY
The QUEEN sits at breakfast. Reading the newspapers. Dogs
under the table. A knock on the door, and ROBIN JANVRIN,
(40's), her deputy Private Secretary, pops around..
JANVRIN
The Prime Minister is on his way,
Ma'am.
ELIZABETH
To BE, Robin.
(correcting, terse)
Prime Minister to BE.
The QUEEN frostily flicks a page, without looking up..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
He hasn't asked my permission yet.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CORRIDOR - DAY
The QUEEN and JANVRIN walk through a corridor of the Palace.
It has the air of a grand hotel. Chintz. Flock. Long, gilded
mirrors. Portraits on the walls..
ELIZABETH
He's a hard one to read, isn't he?
JANVRIN
Yes. On the one hand his background is
quite establishment. Father a
Conservative. A public school
education at Fettes, where he was
tutored by the same man as the Prince
of Wales.
ELIZABETH
Well, we'll try not to hold that
against him.
5.
JANVRIN
On the other, his manifesto promises
the most radical modernisation and
shake-up of the Constitution in three
hundred years.
ELIZABETH
Oh. Is he going to `modernise' us, do
you think?
JANVRIN
I wouldn't put it past him. He's
married to a woman with known anti-
Monarchist sympathies - you may
remember her curtsey the first time
you met. It could best be described as
`shallow'.
ELIZABETH
I don't measure the depth of a
curtsey, Robin. I leave that to my
sister.
JANVRIN
And I spoke to the Cabinet Secretary
who said he was expecting the
atmosphere at Downing Street to be
very informal. Everyone on first name
terms.
(a beat)
At the Prime Minister's insistence.
ELIZABETH
What? As in `Call me Tony?'
JANVRIN
Yes.
The QUEEN's face puckers in distaste..
ELIZABETH
Oh. I'm not sure I like the sound of
that.
(a beat)
Have we sent him a protocol sheet?
EXT. MALL - DAY
ARCHIVE FOOTAGE: as TONY BLAIR's motorcade drives down the
MALL.
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
The motorcade sweeps into the grand, inner quadrangle of
Buckingham Palace, and stops at the King's door.
6.
INT. CAR - DAY
Three secret service BODYGUARDS leap out and open the car
doors. TONY looks out at the palace..
TONY
Funny, I'm actually rather nervous.
HERIE
hy? You've met her often enough
before.
TONY
I know. But never one to one. And
never as Prime Minister.
CHERIE
Remember, you're a man that's just
been elected by the whole country.
T
TONY
Yes. But she's still, y'know..
TONY looks up at the vast palace in front of him..
TONY
The Queen.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CORRIDOR/STAIRCASE - DAY
A uniformed EQUERRY leads TONY and CHERIE through corridors,
and up a grand staircase..
EQUERRY
When we reach the audience room, I
will knock. We will not wait to be
called, we will go straight inside.
Standing by the door, we bow. From the
neck. I will introduce you. The Queen
will extend her hand, you go to her,
bow again, then shake her hand.
TONY shoots his cuffs, `Right', clears his throat.
QUERRY (cont'd)
Couple of other things. It's `Ma'am'
as in ham, not Ma'am as in farm.
TONY
Yes..
EQUERRY
And when you're in the Presence, at no
point must you show your back.
7.
TONY
The `Presence'?
EQUERRY
Yes, Sir. That's what it's called,
when you're in her Majesty's company.
TONY turns, shoots a look at CHERIE, who sticks her fingers
down her throat. TONY smiles back..
The EQUERRY reaches a grand door, and knocks gently. Without
waiting for a reply, he enters..
CHERIE is left in the corridor. Alone. She stares at a
liveried FOOTMAN.
He stares back. No life behind his eyes. CHERIE takes a seat
on a chair. Eyes widen to herself.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - AUDIENCE ROOM - DAY
TONY and the EQUERRY enter, and gently bow their heads. The
EQUERRY then straightens, and announces..
EQUERRY
Mr Blair, your Majesty.
The QUEEN extends her hand. TONY walks forward, and shakes
it. The EQUERRY leaves. The door is then closed.
ELIZABETH
ongratulations.
TONY
Thank you, Ma'am.
ELIZABETH
Your children must be very proud.
TONY
I hope so.
ELIZABETH
You've three, haven't you?
TONY
That's right.
ELIZABETH
How lovely. Such a blessing. Children.
The QUEEN and TONY take their seats..
ELIZABETH
So..Have we shown you how to start a
nuclear war yet?
8.
TONY
(thrown)
No.
ELIZABETH
First thing we do, I believe.
a beat)
Then we take your passport and spend
the rest of the time sending you
around the world.
TONY
You obviously know my job better than
I do.
ELIZABETH
Well, you are my tenth Prime Minister,
Mr Blair. I'd like to think there
weren't too many surprises left. My
first was Winston Churchill. He sat in
your chair, in frock coat and top hat,
and was kind enough to give a shy
T
young girl like me quite an education.
TONY
I can imagine.
ELIZABETH
ith time, one has hopefully added
experience to that education, and a
little wisdom - better enabling us to
execute our constitutional
responsibility.
(a pointed addition)
To advise, guide and warn the
government of the day.
TONY
Advice which I look forward to
receiving.
ELIZABETH
ell, we will save that for our weekly
meetings.
a beat)
Now, if there's nothing else, I
believe we have some business to
attend to..
TONY stares, then clicks..
TONY
Of course..
He falls, rather extravagantly, on bended knee. The
supplicant position of deference...
9.
TONY
Your Majesty, the country has
spoken...and I come now to ask your
permiss.. E
ELIZABETH
(interjecting)
No, no, no. It's usual for ME to ask
the questions.
TONY winces. Wishes the ground would swallow him up.
ELIZABETH
Mr Blair, the people have elected you
to be their leader. And so the duty
falls on me, as your Sovereign, to ask
you to become Prime Minister, and form
a government in my name.
TONY stares. Lost for words. Then..
ELIZABETH
Generally, this is where you say
`yes.'
TONY
`Yes'.
The QUEEN extends her hand, which TONY kisses. She withdraws
it again - quite sharply, then DISCREETLY PRESSES A BUZZER by
her chair indicating the ceremony is over. The EQUERRY opens
a door, and CHERIE is invited inside.
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
How nice to see you again, Mrs Blair.
HERIE curtseys awkwardly, reluctantly, shallowly..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
You must be very proud.
HERIE
Yes.
ELIZABETH
And exhausted, I imagine. Where will
you be spending the summer?
CHERIE
France.
ELIZABETH
How lovely.
TONY
ou'll be in Balmoral, I expect.
10.
ELIZABETH
Yes, I can hardly wait. Wonderful
place.
The QUEEN indicates a portrait of QUEEN VICTORIA..
ELIZABETH
My great, great grandmother said of it
- "In Balmoral all seems to breathe
freedom and peace and to make one
forget the world and its sad
turmoils."
t that moment, the doors open, and JANVRIN enters, and
whispers urgently in the QUEEN's ear. The QUEEN's face
changes as she listens.
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Really..?
Her expression changes. She frostily turns to the BLAIRS..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
I'm afraid we're going to have to
leave it there.
With that the QUEEN shakes TONY's hand. TONY and CHERIE
awkwardly back out of the royal presence, leaving The QUEEN
and JANVRIN.
ELIZABETH
Not too short, was it? I gave him
fifteen minutes.
(a beat)
One doesn't want to be rude.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CORRIDOR - DAY
TONY and CHERIE walk down a corridor. CHERIE whispers under
her breath..
CHERIE
(mimics QUEEN's manner)
"Thank you so much for coming. Now
bugger off."
TONY
I know. What was all that about?
CHERIE
Diana. Apparently she's got a new
boyfriend.
11.
ARCHIVE TELEVISION NEWS FOOTAGE
Of PRINCESS DIANA walking hand in hand with a dark-haired MAN
in his late thirties..
CNN NEWSREADER
Dodi Al-Fayed is the son of Egyptian
millionaire Mohammed Al-Fayed, a man
whom the English establishment has
repeatedly denied a British passport..
TELEVISION NEWS FOOTAGE
DIANA and DODI kissing and canoodling on board the yacht
`Jonikal'..
GERMAN NEWSREADER
The Princess and Mr Fayed were hugging
and kissing in full view of the
world's press yesterday..
ELEVISION NEWS FOOTAGE
DIANA and DODI on the yacht on their last holiday together..
FRENCH NEWSREADER
..the couple then left for Paris. At
one point, the Princess told gathered
reporters to watch out. Her next move
would really surprise them...
CUT TO:
EXT. RITZ HOTEL - NIGHT
PAPARAZZI are assembled outside the hotel. A few SPECTATORS
too.
CAPTION: "RITZ HOTEL, PARIS. 31 AUGUST, 1997".
Various NEWS REPORTERS are also broadcasting...
RENCH REPORTER
(in French)
..the Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed
returned to Paris earlier today..
ERMAN REPORTER
..where they visited a local jewellery
shop where unconfirmed reports
suggested Mr Fayed had been looking at
engagement rings..
12.
INT. RITZ HOTEL - NIGHT
CCTV FOOTAGE: the unmistakable blonde hair of the PRINCESS of
WALES as she enters the Ritz Hotel through revolving doors.
AXT. RITZ HOTEL - NIGHT
German REPORTER continues..
GERMAN REPORTER
(in German)
...they have now been inside the hotel
for more than two hours. We believe
they have been dining in a suite on
the fifth floor..
Presently a ripple of activity: DOORMEN furtively speak into
walkie-talkies. Growing anticipation in the CROWD..
An AMERICAN REPORTER turns to his camera..
AMERICAN REPORTER
We've just been told the Princess is
about to come out of the hotel..
PAPARAZZI jostle roughly for position, and raise their
cameras as the doors open, and a BLACK MERCEDES slides into
position.
INT. RITZ HOTEL - SAME TIME
Elsewhere in the hotel..
The real DIANA, her BODYGUARD, DODI FAYED, and HENRI PAUL
leave the public part of the hotel, and walk down a flight of
stairs..
EXT. RITZ HOTEL - FRONT ENTRANCE - NIGHT
Pandemonium breaks out as BODYGUARDS emerge from the hotel.
Engines roar into life of the decoy black Mercedes.
Doors slam. The CROWD surges. An explosion of flashlights.
Tyres burn. The squeal of rubber as the MERCEDES pulls off.
Swarms of PAPARAZZI give chase, kick-starting their
motorcycles, speaking into cell-phones to their COLLEAGUES..
13.
INT. RITZ HOTEL - SAME TIME
The real ROYAL PARTY, meanwhile, walks briskly through an
underground corridor which leads to the back door of the
hotel..
EXT. RITZ HOTEL - BACK EXIT - SAME TIME
PAPARAZZI who were waiting at the back exit, speak to their
COLLEAGUES on their cell phones, and are about to jump on
their motorcycles to join them in the chase, when suddenly..
HENRI PAUL, PRINCESS DIANA, her BODYGUARD and DODI FAYED
emerge from a door, and climb into a waiting Mercedes. HENRI
PAUL turns to the PAPARAZZI..
PAUL
(in French, we see sub-
titles)
Don't bother following. You won't
catch us.
The engine starts with a roar. The PAPARAZZI double-take, and
frantically shout into their phones to their COLLEAGUES.
`Wait! They've come out at the back.'
EXT/INT. MERCEDES LIMOUSINE - NIGHT
The Mercedes pulls up at a traffic light.
ALL AROUND THEM: the glare of Paparazzi motorcycles and
camera flashbulbs around the car. The Paparazzi call out in
French and Italian. They thump the window. It's terrifying.
An explosion of flashing lights. Popping flashbulbs. The
traffic light turns amber. DODI barks at the DRIVER..
The DRIVER, a short squat man in glasses, (we do not see his
face), slams his foot down.
EXT. EXPRESSWAY - NIGHT
The car roars ahead, then speeds down into a tunnel, followed
by the PAPARAZZI MOTORCYCLES.
FADE TO BLACK:
EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - NIGHT
The Scottish Highlands. To establish.
14.
The silhouette of a magnificent ten year old STAG stands on a
rock, and roars into the night.
INT. CRAIGOWEN LODGE - NIGHT
`RRRRrrrinnnnggg', the phone rings..
A SILHOUETTE fumbles for a light switch, and hits the light.
We immediately recognise the face. It's JANVRIN, the Queen's
deputy Private Secretary.
JANVRIN
(into PHONE)
Robin Janvrin.
He listens, then his expression changes.
ANVRIN (cont'd)
What?
He checks the clock on the bedside table, waking rapidly now.
Deadly serious..
ANVRIN (cont'd)
Right. I see.
JANVRIN hangs up. Then urgently dials a number on the
telephone..
INT. CRAIGOWEN LODGE - NIGHT
JANVRIN (cont'd)
I'm going to need to speak to her
Majesty. Right away.
EXT. BALMORAL ESTATE - NIGHT
till pulling on clothes, JANVRIN rushes on foot towards the
big house in the distance. Lights go on all over the darkened
castle.
NT. BALMORAL - STAIRCASE. NIGHT
ANVRIN and a middle-aged DRESSER, (half-asleep and still
rearranging her uniform), walk urgently up the stairs towards
the second floor corridor where the QUEEN's bedroom is
located. They pass a PAGE on the way down..
JANVRIN
Tell Sir Guy I'd like everyone in. As
soon as possible.
The PAGE nods. Departs.
15.
INT. QUEEN'S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
A knock on the door. The door opens, and the DRESSER's voice
gently calls out..
DRESSER
Ma'am?
he QUEEN stirs in her bed..
DRESSER
Mr Janvrin is here to see you..
ELIZABETH
Oh..
The QUEEN turns on the light. The DUKE of EDINBURGH flinches
in irritation, scrunching his eyes as they are blinded..
PRINCE PHILIP
What the..?
INT. BALMORAL - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
he QUEEN emerges from her bedroom wearing an old-fashioned
dressing-gown, and clutching a hottie, (a velour-covered
Cosimax hot water bottle), to find ROBIN JANVRIN waiting..
JANVRIN
Good evening, Ma'am. I'm sorry to
disturb..
He clears his throat..
JANVRIN
I
've just had a call from our Embassy
in Paris. It's...the Princess of
Wales.
PRINCE PHILIP appears in the doorway. Irritable.
PRINCE PHILIP
Why? What's she done now?
INT. MYROBELLA - TRIMDON - TONY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
"Rrrrrinng", the phone rings. We're in TONY BLAIR's
constituency house in Trimdon, near Durham in northern
England.
Click', TONY, in T-shirt, turns on the light. His face is
creased with sleep. He blinks..
16.
TONY
What? How badly?
The figure of CHERIE stirs in the bed. Groans. TONY listens
to the voice at the other end..
TONY
I see. Who are we speaking to there?
TONY
Right.
shell-shocked)
Keep me posted.
TONY hangs up. CHERIE turns..
TONY
It's Diana. She's been in a car
accident. In Paris.
CHERIE
Is it serious?
TONY
Apparently Dodi Fayed is dead.
CHERIE
What?
CHERIE's face. Visibly shocked. TONY has switched on the TV
in the bedroom.
NEWSREADER
Let's just re-cap on what's happened.
INT. BALMORAL - SITTING ROOM - NIGHT
he QUEEN is sitting with the DUKE OF EDINBURGH.
PRINCE PHILIP
What was she doing in Paris?
ELIZABETH
ou know what she's like.
The QUEEN flicks channels, peering over her glasses, trying
to catch the latest news on the television..
At that moment CHARLES enters the room. His face ravaged with
concern. It's the first time the QUEEN has seen him since
news of the crisis..
17.
ELIZABETH
It's quite awful...
(wants to console CHARLES
but finds it easier to
say..)
What are you going to do about the
boys?
An awkward moment. Stifled..
CHARLES
Let them sleep until we know more.
ELIZABETH
Yes that's sensible.
CHARLES
I should go to Paris. I told my people
to start organising a jet.
ELIZABETH
What? A private one?
HARLES
Yes.
ELIZABETH
Isn't that precisely the sort of
extravagance they attack us for?
CHARLES
ell, how else am I going to get to
Paris at this time of night? The
airport at Aberdeen will be closed.
Presently, a voice from behind..
QUEEN MOTHER
You can use the Royal Flight. They
keep one of the planes on permanent
stand-by.
deadpans)
In case I kick the bucket.
ELIZABETH
Out of the question. It's not a matter
of State.
HARLES
What are you talking about?
ELIZABETH
Diana is no longer an HRH, nor a
member of the Royal Family. This is a
private matter.
18.
CHARLES
She's mother to your grandchildren.
The QUEEN MOTHER sits on the sofa next to PRINCE PHILIP..
QUEEN MOTHER
That's the latest?
PRINCE PHILIP
I don't know. I can't hear..
(indicates TELEVISION)
Everyone's shouting!
CHARLES stares in disbelief. Exits the room..
INT. BALMORAL - JANVRIN'S OFFICE - NIGHT
television plays in the corner..
TELEVISION
..behind me, is the tunnel of the Pont
de l'Alma, which you reach by the
expressway along the Seine. It was
along here that the Mercedes carrying
the Princess..
ANVRIN's SECRETARY hands over the phone..
SECRETARY
The Ambassador, in Paris.
JANVRIN
Good evening, Sir.
JANVRIN listens to what the person is saying at the other
end. His expression changes..
JANVRIN
Right.
ashen-faced)
I see.
NT. BALMORAL - 1ST FLOOR CORRIDOR - NIGHT
An ashen-faced JANVRIN walks along the corridor, reaches the
room where the ROYAL FAMILY is watching television.
e clears his throat, knocks on the door..
INT. BALMORAL - LARGE SITTING-ROOM - NIGHT
JANVRIN enters.
19.
JANVRIN
I've just spoken to our Ambassador in
Paris, Ma'am.
ll heads turn to face him..
JANVRIN (cont'd)
I'm afraid it's not good news.
INT. BALMORAL - CHARLES'S STUDY - SAME TIME (AYRSHIRE)
PRINCE CHARLES's face: he lets out a strangled cry, as he
hears the news..
CHARLES
No!
CHARLES roars in pain and disbelief. His knuckles whiten..
CHARLES
No, no, no, no..!
In the doorway: STEPHEN LAMPORT, who has delivered the news,
can hardly bear to watch..
INT. BALMORAL - LARGE SITTING-ROOM - NIGHT
ON TV: struggling in vain to hold onto his composure, a
BRITISH NEWSREADER relays the news, visibly in shock..
NEWSREADER
We have just had confirmation, that
(
Diana, Princess of Wales..
voice cracks)
..has died in Paris.
ELIZABETH, PRINCE PHILIP and THE QUEEN MOTHER all stare. A
tableau of shock.
CNN ANCHOR breaks the news to a worldwide audience..
CNN ANCHOR
"I'm afraid we have some bad news to
report.."
INT. MYROBELLA - NIGHT
The CNN ANCHOR continues on TV.
NN ANCHOR
"Diana, Princess of Wales, is dead."
TONY BLAIR is watching on TV, sitting downstairs, having
thrown on some clothes. He speaks on the phone..
20.
TONY
What have I got on this week?
INT. DOWNING STREET - SAME TIME
ALASTAIR CAMPBELL, Press Secretary to TONY BLAIR, is dressed
and already in Downing Street. Also watching television. (WE
INTERCUT BETWEEN THE TWO LOCATIONS AS NECESSARY).
ALASTAIR
You're writing your maiden Conference
speech as Prime Minister.
TONY
Well, let's cancel everything else.
This is going to be massive.
a beat)
I'd better make a statement in the
morning.
ALASTAIR
You'll be pleased to know I've already
started coming up with ideas.
n CAMPBELL's knee, a pad of paper. We pick out the words,
"People's Princess." T
TONY
God, she's only been dead an hour!
ALASTAIR
Would you prefer I didn't do my job?
INT. BALMORAL - CHILDREN'S CORRIDOR - NIGHT
he QUEEN's FACE in close-up. Her eyes flicker as she watches
something intently.
e REVERSE ANGLE to see: a half-open door. SILHOUETTES
inside. The sound of male voices. Whispering. Speaking
softly.
It's the moment the BOYS are being told. We make out the
SILHOUETTES hugging. The sound of tears. Soft voices. CHARLES
repeatedly kissing his SONS.
ur CAMERA stays on the QUEEN's FACE. A distant flicker of
pain at the unrestrained intimacy and affection between them.
Presently, the door opens, and a red-eyed PRINCE CHARLES
emerges.
C
21.
CHARLES
They're going to go back to sleep.
(clears his throat, speaks
with difficulty)
Well, try anyway.
The QUEEN goes up to CHARLES and stiffly, poignantly, tries
to touch him. But cannot. Is unable. She withdraws her hand.
CHARLES
(reading the message)
My Private Secretary's office has
found a travel agency open in New York
that will sell me a flight to Paris
with an hour's stop over in
Manchester.
CHARLES contains himself with difficulty..
CHARLES
Perhaps now you might consider whether
it's still an extravagance to bring
back the mother of the future King of
England in one of our planes?
ELIZABETH
(after a long pause)
All right.
HARLES's eyes burn. He turns, and walks out.
The QUEEN is left alone. She stares for a moment, then
leaves, passing a FOOTMAN.
ELIZABETH
(to FOOTMAN)
I don't want the boys to see the news
and get upset. First thing tomorrow
morning, I want the radio taken out of
their bedroom, and the television
taken out of the nursery.
The FOOTMAN bows..
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - QUEEN'S BEDCHAMBER - VERY EARLY DAWN
The QUEEN sits in bed, writing her diary, in a bedchamber
where the decor is unchanged in a hundred years..
O
utside, the sound of bird-song. The first rays of light.
The DUKE OF EDINBURGH sticks his head around the corner. He
looks at the QUEEN..
PRINCE PHILIP
Well, well, well.
22.
ELIZABETH
Ye-es.
PRINCE PHILIP
Are you all right?
A silence.
PRINCE PHILIP (cont'd)
Your sister called about an hour ago.
From Tuscany.
ELIZABETH
hope you told her to come back? Cut
the holiday short?
PRINCE PHILIP
I did.
ELIZABETH raises her eyebrow..
ELIZABETH
an't imagine she was pleased.
PRINCE PHILIP
That's putting it mildly.
ELIZABETH
What did she say?
PHILIP smiles to himself recalling MARGARET's words..
PRINCE PHILIP
Something about Diana managing to be
even more annoying dead than alive.
The QUEEN looks up..
ELIZABETH
Just make sure the boys never hear you
talk like that.
PRINCE PHILIP
Of course.
PHILIP produces a bottle of pills from his dressing-gown
pocket, and shakes them..
PRINCE PHILIP (cont'd)
Something to help you go down?
ELIZABETH
No. I'm going to do my diary a little
longer.
PRINCE PHILIP
Fine. I'll sleep next door.
23.
PHILIP touches her on the shoulder. But she doesn't
reciprocate. He goes. The QUEEN appears to continue writing,
but our CAMERA slowly turns to reveal her PEN is not moving.
Nor writing.
She's staring in thought.
AXT. MYROBELLA - DAY
Victorian, red-brick house. In the driveway, the
incongruous mix of a grey Renault Espace people-carrier and
two POLICE VEHICLES.
In the modest garden: two ARMED POLICE OFFICERS are playing
football with three young CHILDREN..
INT. TRIMDON - BLAIR KITCHEN - DAY
Inside the plain, unfashionably decorated house..
The TV plays in the corner of the kitchen. CHERIE BLAIR,
visibly upset, watches TV while cooking breakfast.
TONY is not wearing his Newcastle shirt.
TONY is reading out his statement which is written on a pad
of paper, filled with crossings-out..
TONY
"..that's how she will remain. In our
minds, our hearts, forever."
(looks up)
OK, got it.
INT. DOWNING STREET - SAME TIME.
ALASTAIR CAMPBELL is in Downing Street, sits in an office,
feet on a desk, staring at the TV..
ALASTAIR
Where will you do it?
TONY
I thought at church. On the way in.
ON TV: breaking news: Diana's brother, EARL SPENCER, makes a
statement from the gates outside his house in South Africa..
S
PENCER (ON TV)
...this is not a time for
recriminations, however I would say
that I always believed that the press
would kill her in the end.
(MORE)
24.
SPENCER(cont'd)
But even I could not imagine that they
would take such a direct hand in her
death as seems to be the case. It
would appear that every proprietor and
editor of every publication that has
paid for intrusive and exploitative
photographs of her has blood on his
hands today...
ALASTAIR
Not the press, mate. You've got the
wrong villain.
An AIDE appears in the doorway, catches TONY's eye, and
indicates her watch..
TONY
I've got to go.
ALASTAIR
You about to speak to the Queen?
TONY
Yes.
ALASTAIR shoots a mischievous look..
ALASTAIR
Ask her if SHE greased the brakes.
TONY
Now, now..
TONY hangs up, crosses to the study, making sure the doors
are shut so he won't be disturbed. We notice his shirt has
no. 10 on the back, under the name, `BLAIR'.
NT. BALMORAL - DINING ROOM - DAY
he QUEEN, PRINCE PHILIP and the QUEEN MOTHER sit in silence
at the table, eating breakfast, stoically listening to radio
coverage, soberly flicking through newspapers..
The QUEEN is the only one who is fully dressed, (the others
in bathrobes), and she wears black. She is reading "The
Sunday Times".
All around them the QUEEN's (elderly) MAIDS perform the
choreography of service as the radio coverage continues. One
MAID pours tea. Another brings fresh toast.
Also present is the rather smarter VALET and MAID belonging
to the PRINCE of WALES, and his separate HOUSEHOLD. They have
a separate, (and more stylish), uniform of their own.
T
hey set CHARLES's place and his breakfast, (nuts, grains,
healthy food).
T
25.
A flamboyant napkin is folded into an elaborate fleur-du-lis,
(traditional symbol of the PRINCE OF WALES). The QUEEN turns
to Charles's VALET..
A knock on the door, JANVRIN enters, and bows in respect to
the QUEEN..
JANVRIN
I'm sorry to disturb, Ma'am, but I've
the Prime Minister, for you. From his
constituency.
QUEEN MOTHER
(privately rolls eyes,
without looking up from
newspaper)
Lucky you.
ELIZABETH
Thank you, Robin. I'll take it next
door.
T
he QUEEN gets to her feet and walks out into..
INT. BALMORAL - FIRST FLOOR CORRIDOR - DAY
The first-floor corridor. STAFF flatten themselves against
the wall, averting their eyes as..
The QUEEN unexpectedly comes out of the dining-room, walks
along the corridor, and disappears into..
INT. BALMORAL - QUEEN'S STUDY - DAY
The QUEEN's study. High ceilings, portraits, stag's antlers
on the wall. The QUEEN picks up the phone..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Good morning, Prime Minister.
INT. TRIMDON - BLAIR'S STUDY - DAY
The contrast in surroundings could hardly be greater. TONY
sitting in a cramped room, surrounded by toys, in track suit,
in a working-class house..
TONY
Good morning, your Majesty. May I say
right away how very sorry I am - and
that the thoughts and prayers of my
family are with you at this terrible
time and with the two princes in
particular.
26.
ELIZABETH
Thank you.
HERIE appears in the doorway.
TONY
Is it your intention to make some kind
of appearance. Or statement?
ELIZABETH
Certainly not.
INT. BALMORAL - QUEEN'S STUDY - DAY
The QUEEN's face, bristling at the suggestion. (WE INTERCUT
AS NECESSARY)..
ELIZABETH
No member of the Royal family will
speak publicly about this. It is a
private matter and we would all
appreciate it if it could be respected
as such.
TONY
I see.
TONY straightens, taken aback..
TONY
I don't suppose anyone has had time to
think about the funeral yet?
ELIZABETH
We've spoken to the Spencer family,
and it's their wish..
(a beat)
..their express wish, that it should
be a private funeral. With a memorial
service to follow in a month, or so.
TONY
Right.
TONY shoots a look at CHERIE..
ELIZABETH
Given that Diana was no longer a
member of the Royal Family we have no
choice but to respect their wishes.
TONY
I see.
TONY shoots a look at CHERIE..
27.
TONY
You don't feel that in view of her
high profile and popularity..
(
choosing his words
carefully)
...it might be an idea to pay tribute
to her life and achievements?
(a beat)
Or even just to her as a mother?
The QUEEN's face freezes over.
ELIZABETH
As I said. That's the Spencers' wish.
TONY (cont'd)
And the public, Ma'am? The British
People?
TONY hesitates..
TONY
You don't think a private funeral
would be denying them a chance..
ELIZABETH
hance to what..?
TONY
To share in the grief?
The QUEEN's face: did she hear right?
ELIZABETH
It's a family funeral, Mr. Blair. Not
a fairground attraction.
(a beat)
I think the Princess has already paid
a high enough price for exposure to
the press, don't you?
PRINCE PHILIP enters, dressed and ready for church. He
indicates his watch..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Now, if there is nothing else I must
get on. The children have to be looked
after.
TONY
Of course.
`Click', the QUEEN hangs up. TONY stares at the receiver.
TONY (cont'd)
Good bye, Your Majesty.
28.
He puts down the phone...
TONY
Her instinct is to do nothing. Say
nothing. And give her a private
funeral.
CHERIE
Are you surprised? She hated her guts.
TONY
Well, I think it's a mistake.
TONY's face becomes dark..
TONY
They screwed up her life. Let's hope
they don't screw up her death.
INT. SALOON/HALL - BALMORAL - DAY
veryone is getting ready to go to church. The QUEEN and
QUEEN MOTHER are putting on their hats. PRINCE PHILIP, in
full Highland regalia and black tie, helps both LADIES into
their long coats...
ELIZABETH
The Chaplain called. Wanted to know
whether he should make any changes to
the service or make special mention of
Diana.
PRINCE PHILIP
What did you say?
ELIZABETH
I told him he shouldn't change a
thing.
UEEN MOTHER
Q
uite right.
ELIZABETH
I think the less fuss one makes, or
draws attention to it, the better.
she lowers her voice, as
the PRINCES approach from
the saloon with CHARLES)
For the boys.
QUEEN MOTHER
Yes.
ELIZABETH
And we should probably arrange some
company for them. Some young people.
29.
PRINCE PHILIP
I'll take them for a long walk this
afternoon. Up Craggy Head.
ELIZABETH
Good. They'd like that.
RINCE PHILIP opens the doors..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
But no guns. It's Sunday.
They walk off to the waiting CARS..
INT. DOWNING STREET - SAME TIME
Offices BUSY FOR SUNDAY. Bustling AIDES and SECRETARIES. The
engine room of Government. An AIDE sticks his head round a
door, and calls down the corridor to...
AIDE
Alastair? He's on..
CAMPBELL turns, and excuses himself from his conversation,
walks back down the corridor..
INT. OFFICE - DAY
ALASTAIR enters a press `monitoring' room, where several
televisions are playing. One or two AIDES are busy working..
ON TV: TONY, wearing a dark suit, and tie, takes his position
in front of the statue of the Virgin Mary, in front of the
cameras.
EXT. TRIMDON CHURCH - DAY
TONY steps closer to the microphones, then..
TONY
e are today a nation in a state of
shock, in mourning, in grief that is
so deeply painful to us. People
everywhere, not just here in Britain,
kept faith with Princess Diana..
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY
JANVRIN watches the broadcast on television, surrounded by
several MEMBERS OF STAFF - MAIDS, COOKS, VALETS, FOOTMEN, all
craning their necks, watching the television in the Private
Secretary's room..
30.
Our camera stays on JANVRIN's face, as TONY's speech
continues..
TONY (ON TV)
They liked her, they loved her, they
regarded her as one of the people. She
was the people's princess, and that is
how she will stay, how she will remain
in our hearts and memories forever.."
J
ANVRIN's eyes roll privately..
JANVRIN
A bit over the top, don't you think?
JANVRIN turns, fully expecting everyone to agree..
But instead all the STAFF MEMBERS behind him have tears
rolling down their cheeks..
EXT. HOSPITAL - PARIS - DAY
Archive Footage.
CHARLES's motorcade pulls up outside the hospital in Paris.
Doors open. PRINCE CHARLES gets out..
INT. HOSPITAL - CORRIDOR - PARIS - DAY
Shooting through the half-open door: we watch as the PRINCE
of WALES disappears into the room. In the far corner, an open
coffin.
HARLES is visibly distressed. We hear the PRIEST's voice as
he begins to pray..
PRIEST
Notre Pere qui es aux cieux,
Que ton nom soit sanctifie,
Que ton regne vienne,
Que ta volonte soit faite,
S
ur la terre comme au ciel..
In the corridor: hospital OFFICIALS quietly close the door in
respect.
TELEVISION NEWS FOOTAGE
PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON, fighting emotion, speaking from the
White House lawn..
31.
CLINTON (ON TV)
I'll always be glad I knew the
Princess, and hope everyone will
support her two fine sons and help
them have the life and the future she
would want..
PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA - speaking from Cape Town..
MANDELA (ON TV)
I had the honour of hosting her a few
months ago when she visited our
country, and I was tremendously
impressed by her..
The sound of a NEWSREADER's voice..
NEWSREADER (V.O.)
In cities all around the world,
shrines have been created, in a
spontaneous, worldwide outpouring of
grief.
mages of NEW YORKERS laying flowers outside the British
Embassy, AUSTRALIANS doing the same in Sydney, PAKISTANIS in
Karachi..
NT. CAR - DAY
TONY BLAIR is in a car on his way back down to London. The
phone rings. He is travelling with an AIDE, who answers the
phone, listens, then hands it to TONY..
IDE
Lord Airlie.
A
TONY shoots a look, `Who?' The AIDE covers the phone..
IDE
The Lord Chamberlain. In charge of the
funeral. You're meeting him at the
airport.
TONY nods. Takes the phone.
TONY
Lord Airlie.
INT. CAR - SAME TIME
A rather formidable, handsome, aristocratic man with a
military bearing, is driven in a car, speaking into a mobile
phone..
32.
AIRLIE
(brisk, military)
Prime Minister. I'm responsible for
organising all royal ceremonial
events...
(a beat)
And there's simply no precedent for
the funeral of an ex-HRH.
INT. CAR - SAME TIME
TONY privately rolls his eyes at the ridiculous upper-class
pronunciation..
TONY
Then perhaps we should plan for any
contingency.
ORD AIRLIE
Yes. I've arranged a meeting tomorrow
morning at 10.00 at Buckingham Palace.
Officials from all three palaces,
representatives from the Spencer
Family, the emergency services.
a beat)
Would you send some of your people?
TONY
Absolutely. Of course.
They hang up.
TONY
(mimicking)
`Preeecedent?'
TONY rolls his eyes.
TONY
Where do they find these people?
EXT. RAF NORTHOLT - DAY
PRINCE CHARLES comes down the steps of his plane. He walks
towards the line of OFFICIALS, among them TONY BLAIR who
stands next to LORD AIRLIE. TONY and PRINCE CHARLES shake
hands..
TONY
I'm so sorry, Sir. And if there's
anything I or my Government can do...
CHARLES appears distracted. Miles away..
33.
CHARLES
They stood up as we drove past...in
cafes...in restaurants. Removed their
hats. This was Paris. One of the
busiest cities in the world...and you
could hear a pin drop...
TONY
I imagine it will be the same here.
CHARLES
Yes...I imagine it will.
HARLES looks at TONY..
CHARLES
The Palace would still prefer to see
it as a private funeral. What are your
feelings on that?
TONY
I...
(a diplomatic smile)
I think that would present us with
difficulties.
C
HARLES
So do I. My mother..
(corrects himself)
...the Queen, comes from a generation
not best equipped to...
(tailing off)
...she grew up in the war...
(a beat)
I think what we need, what the COUNTRY
needs is to be led by someone.."of
today". If you follow?
(a beat)
Balmoral is..
(he gestures, `another
world')
TONY
I think I understand.
CHARLES and TONY shake hands, then the PRINCE moves on...
Meanwhile, in the background, DIANA's coffin is taken from
the aeroplane by pall-bearers and loaded into a hearse.
he coffin is draped in the ROYAL STANDARD....
INT. BALMORAL - LARGE SITTING-ROOM - NIGHT
The QUEEN, PRINCE PHILIP and the QUEEN MOTHER watch
television. It's the evening news..
34.
ON TV: PRINCE CHARLES is greeted by PRESIDENT CHIRAC on the
steps of the hospital.
ELIZABETH
Have we heard from the Spencers again?
Have they made up their minds when the
funeral will be?
QUEEN MOTHER
Not me. No one tells me anything.
NEWSREADER (V.O.)
The Prince of Wales spent half an hour
at the hospital. At 5.06, the party
left with Diana's coffin..
PRINCE PHILIP
n our walk today, one of the ghillies
said he'd seen a large stag up at
Craghie Head.
a beat)
He reckoned fourteen points.
QUEEN MOTHER
What? Really? We haven't had one that
big on this estate in years.
PRINCE PHILIP
No. Quite.
ON TV: CHARLES's plane arrives back in England.
EWSREADER (V.O.)
Diana's coffin arrived back in London,
at RAF Northolt, two hours later..
The QUEEN watches intently as CHARLES is greeted on the
runway by TONY BLAIR, and the two men talk.
A flicker of suspicion on the QUEEN's face..
PRINCE PHILIP
nyway, I thought it might be a good
distraction. For the boys.
ELIZABETH
What? Stalking?
The QUEEN looks up..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Isn't it a bit soon?
PRINCE PHILIP
I think anything that gets them
outside is a good idea.
35.
NEWSREADER (V.O.)
arlier today, the Prime Minister made
a statement from his constituency..
ON TV: TONY making his speech outside the church in Trimdon.
We CLOSE on the QUEEN's face as she hears..
TONY (ON TV)
"They liked her. They loved her. They
regarded her as one of the People. She
was the People's Princess, and that is
how she will remain in our hearts
forever.."
The QUEEN watches in disbelief. Her knuckles whiten.
ELIZABETH
I'm sorry, I can't bear it.
gets to her feet)
I'm going to bed.
The QUEEN walks out.
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
The following morning. A bare flagpole. No flag flying.
But the flowers left by mourners outside the palace gates are
growing.
NT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - MEETING ROOM - DAY
A large ceremonial room. Elaborate chinoiserie. Ming vases.
Inside, some thirty or forty OFFICIALS, many uniformed, sit
around a table. Among them: the CHIEF CONSTABLE of the
METROPOLITAN police, the heads of the FIRE SERVICE and
AMBULANCE SERVICE, military OFFICERS, representatives from
the three palaces, Kensington Palace, (DIANA's court), St
James's Palace, (CHARLES's court) and Buckingham Palace, (the
QUEEN's court), representatives from the Intelligence and
Police Protection services, experts in protocol, and finally,
representatives from the SPENCER FAMILY and Downing Street,
(among them ALASTAIR CAMPBELL).
L
ORD AIRLIE, (whom we met at RAF Northolt), checks the time.
It's ten o'clock. He raps on a table, calling the meeting to
order..
LORD AIRLIE
Right. It's ten o'clock. Let's make a
start. Thank you all for coming at
such notice. I think we all agree this
is an extraordinarily sensitive
occasion which presents us with
tremendous challenges logistically...
(MORE)
36.
LORD AIRLIE(cont'd)
(a beat)
...constitutionally..
(a beat)
..practically...
(a beat)
...diplomatically..
(a beat)
...procedurally...
ALASTAIR privately rolls his eyes..
ALASTAIR
Oh, Christ..
EXT. DOWNING STREET - DAY
10, Downing Street. A car pulls up. ALASTAIR CAMPBELL gets
out. Visibly in a bad mood.
INT. DOWNING STREET - DAY
TONY BLAIR is in his office, surrounded by his AIDES, working
in shirtsleeves.
TONY
"..after eighteen years of Opposition,
of frustration and despair, I am
proud, privileged, to stand before you
as the new Prime Minister..."
IDE
Labour Prime Minister..
TONY
"I want to set an ambitious course to
modernise this country. To breathe new
life into our institutions. To make
privilege something for the many, not
the few. So that we become nothing
less than a beacon to the world..."
`Thump', the door opens, ALASTAIR CAMPBELL enters, clutching
the day's newspapers..
A
LASTAIR
Bloody hell! You think the Royals are
nutters! You should meet their
flunkeys! Two and a half-hours on
whether she should be carried in a
hearse or a gun-carriage.
(taps head, "Nuts")
Anyway, raves in the press.
ALASTAIR dumps the papers on the desk..
37.
ALASTAIR
This lot call you "The Nation's
Mourner in Chief", this lot say you're
"The only person who has correctly
judged the mood of the country". Even
the "Mail"..
(disdainfully holding the
paper between finger and
thumb)
..was impressed.
ALASTAIR drops the papers on TONY's desk.
LASTAIR
"People's Princess", mate. You owe me.
LASTAIR goes. TONY watches, then jumps up, opens the door.
His AIDE calls after him, covering the phone..
AIDE
Gordon for you.
TONY
Tell him to hang on.
INT. DOWNING STREET - CORRIDOR - DAY
TONY follows ALASTAIR out, calls after him..
TONY (cont'd)
So it's decided? It's going to be a
public funeral.
LASTAIR
Yes. On Saturday. A whopper. The
Abbey. The works.
TONY
Good. Has anyone told the Queen yet?
LASTAIR
Dunno. No doubt some flunkey will be
despatched. Grovelling on all fours.
TONY smiles imagining the prospect, goes back into his
office.
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - LARGE SITTING-ROOM - DAY
`Knock', a knock on the door, and ROBIN JANVRIN enters
carrying a large file. He bows first to the QUEEN..
JANVRIN
Good morning, Ma'am.
38.
..then to the QUEEN MOTHER..
J
ANVRIN
..Ma'am.
The QUEEN looks up..
ELIZABETH
What can we do for you, Robin?
JANVRIN braces himself. This is not going to be easy...
JANVRIN
Ma'am, there was a meeting at the
Palace this morning.
ELIZABETH
About the funeral arrangements, yes.
JANVRIN
The Lord Chamberlain faxed over these
plans for you to consider.
JANVRIN puts a large file on her desk..
JANVRIN
There is now general agreement, Ma'am,
that a public funeral would be more
appropriate.
ELIZABETH
I see.
he QUEEN perceptibly bristles..
ELIZABETH
nd what form will it take?
JANVRIN
At the moment, they're suggesting..
(clears throat)
And of course these are early days..
JANVRIN braces himself. Shoots a nervous look at the QUEEN
MOTHER..
JANVRIN (cont'd)
...basing it on Tay Bridge.
The QUEEN MOTHER looks up. Horrified.
QUEEN MOTHER
Tay Bridge..?
ELIZABETH
What..?
39.
A stunned silence..
QUEEN MOTHER
B-but that's the code name for my
funeral? J
ANVRIN
ndeed, Ma'am.
(a beat)
But it would be for practical reasons
only.
JANVRIN is dying.
ANVRIN
It's the only one which has been..
(treads delicately)
..`rehearsed'. The only one that could
be put together..in time.
The QUEEN MOTHER needs to sit down..
QUEEN MOTHER
But I supervised those plans myself.
JANVRIN
Indeed, and the Lord Chamberlain was
at pains to stress the spirit of the
occasion will be quite different.
a beat)
For example, in place of four hundred
soldiers marching behind the coffin,
the suggestion is that four hundred
representatives from the Princess's
various charities march behind the
coffin.
ELIZABETH
I see..
The QUEEN MOTHER's eyes widen..
JANVRIN
And that instead of foreign Heads of
State and Crown heads of Europe, the
guests would include a sprinkling of
actors of stage and screen, fashion
designers and other..
(clears throat)
...celebrities..
QUEEN MOTHER
Celebrities..?
ELIZABETH
Oh.
40.
The QUEEN looks ashen. The QUEEN MOTHER is pouring herself a
drink..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Wa..was there anything else?
JANVRIN
o, Ma'am.
JANVRIN bows, and leaves. Then stops, remembering..
JANVRIN
Oh, yes. One other thing. The Police
Commissioner was keen that you
consider the idea of a condolence
book.
(a beat)
It would give the growing crowds
something to do. Make marshalling them
easier.
ELIZABETH
(distracted)
Yes, of course..
ANVRIN reaches the door..
JANVRIN
Oh, and the flowers.
he QUEEN looks up..
ELIZABETH
W
hat flowers?
JANVRIN (cont'd)
The flowers that have been left
outside Buckingham palace. Currently
they're blocking the path through the
main gate, and will make things
difficult for the Changing of the
Guard.
ELIZABETH
Fine. Then move them away.
ANVRIN flinches slightly in anticipation..
JANVRIN
Actually, the Lord Chamberlain was
wondering whether we shouldn't leave
the flowers, and send the Guards
through the North Gate.
The QUEEN looks thrown..
41.
ELIZABETH
Ye-es. Of course.
chastened)
Quite right.
INT. TONY'S OFFICE - DAY
`Rrrrinng', the phone rings. TONY is sitting at his desk with
one AIDE. A knock on the door. Another AIDE enters..
AIDE
tephen Lamport on one.
TONY looks up. Irritated at being disturbed..
TONY
Who?
AIDE
The Prince of Wales's private
secretary. In Balmoral.
covering phone)
He said it was urgent.
TONY rolls his eyes, then picks up the phone.
TONY
ood afternoon.
LAMPORT (V.O.)
Good afternoon, Prime Minister.
S
INT. BALMORAL - CHARLES'S STUDY - DAY
TEPHEN LAMPORT, Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales,
sits at a desk. CHARLES is also present, listening..
LAMPORT
The Prince of Wales wanted me to thank
you again for your kind words
yesterday.
TONY
Not at all.
AMPORT
He feels you and he...are modern
men...of similar mind...
(a beat)
...who could work well together at
this difficult time.
TONY shoots a quizzical look..
42.
TONY
Well, please thank his Highness, and
assure him that he can count on my
full support. At all times.
(a beat)
Was that it?
LAMPORT
Yes.
TONY hangs up. He turns to his AIDE..
TONY (cont'd)
Bizarre. Why is Charles doing this?
AIDE
What?
TONY
Creeping up to me like this. He did it
at the airport when he asked me to
`deal' with his mother.
AIDE #2
ecause he knows that if the Queen
continues to get it wrong over Diana,
it won't be long before the Royals
become public enemy no 1.
(
a beat)
Terrified of being shot, apparently.
TONY
Who, Charles?
AIDE
His people have already been onto us
asking for extra protection.
IDE #2
He probably thinks if he's seen to be
on our side, the Queen will be the one
left in the firing line, not him.
TONY
What? So it's OK for his mother to
take the bullet, not him?
shakes head)
What a family.
EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - COURTYARD - DAY
The QUEEN, in tatty old Barbour, head-scarf, Wellington
boots, loads Corgis and picnic hampers into the back of an
old Land Rover.
43.
She climbs into an old, muddy Jeep, and starts the oily,
smoky diesel engine. As she begins to drive out, she turns a
corner, and passes CHARLES who is climbing into his much
smarter, luxury, leather-upholstered jeep..
CHARLES
Wait! Where are they?
ELIZABETH
Up at Craigghead.
CHARLES
I'll come with you.
CHARLES climbs in. The QUEEN notices how extravagantly
dressed he is. A kilt and tailored hunting jacket..
CHARLES (cont'd)
Want me to drive?
ELIZABETH
Certainly not.
HARLES shudders at the rough interior of the car, the mud-
spattered windows, the hard, uncomfortable ride..
CHARLES
I thought you were going to get a new
E
one of these?
ELIZABETH
What for? It's perfectly all right.
The engine splutters as she changes gear. The car lurches
forward.
INT/EXT. JEEP - BALMORAL ESTATE - DAY
he QUEEN drives hard through woods, dust kicking up in the
old Land Rover's wake. It's a bone-shaking ride.
HARLES stares out of the window, lost in thought..
CHARLES
I was thinking last night what Diana
might have done had it been me that
died in the tunnel in Paris.
The QUEEN privately rolls her eyes..
CHARLES
She would certainly have taken the
boys to Paris. I rather regret not
doing that now.
44.
ELIZABETH
What? And expose them to the media? It
would have been a dreadful thing to
do. They're much better off here.
CHARLES
Look, whatever else you may have
thought of Diana - she was a wonderful
mother.
a beat)
She adored those boys. And never let
them forget it.
a beat)
Always warm.
he QUEEN's hands tighten on the steering wheel..
CHARLES
And physical.
a beat)
Never afraid to show her feelings.
ELIZABETH
Especially whenever a photographer was
in sight.
CHARLES
Yes, she MAY have encouraged all that,
but still..
CHARLES looks out of the window. His eyes mist over..
CHARLES (cont'd)
That was always the extraordinary
thing about her. Her weaknesses and
transgressions only seemed to make the
public love her MORE. Yet ours only
make them hate us. Why is that?
CHARLES looks up..
CHARLES (cont'd)
Why do they hate us so much?
The QUEEN mutters under her breath...
ELIZABETH
Not `us', dear.
CHARLES
(not having heard)
What?
The QUEEN salutes GAME-KEEPERS who remove their hats as the
QUEEN roars past.
45.
CHARLES
Yesterday, when we drove the coffin
back into London, there was a noise. A
bang. I don't mind telling you I
thought it was a gun.
CHARLES's hands wring in anxiety..
CHARLES (cont'd)
I thought someone had taken a shot at
me.
he QUEEN hits the brakes, and pulls up. Visibly irritated by
her son's weakness. She opens the door, and steps out..
E
ELIZABETH
Why don't you go on without me? I'm
going to walk back..
CHARLES
Are you sure?
ELIZABETH
Yes. It looks like rain..
(the DOGS jump out)
And I'm not in the mood for stalking
anyway.
CHARLES knows better than to contradict his mother. He gets
into the driving seat, puts on the safety belt, and drives
off.
The Land Rover disappears in a cloud of dust.
The QUEEN straightens, then notices her shoe-laces are
undone. The DOGS bark excitedly.
ELIZABETH
Wait! My shoe-lace is undone. You
don't want me to trip and hurt myself,
do you?
a beat)
You wouldn't get any proper walks
then.
The QUEEN blissfully chatters away to the DOGS. So much
easier than people...
ELIZABETH
Right. Done. Now who knows the way
home?
he DOGS yap excitedly, immediately scamper off in the
direction of the castle..
ELIZABETH
You clever things!
46.
EXT. SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS - DAY
HARLES's Land Rover drives up into the hills, into
spectacular landscape. A mile or two ahead, above the tree-
line, PHILIP, the two PRINCES and STALKERS carrying guns,
crawl on their bellies in pursuit of their quarry..
A hundred years ahead of them, the STAG, unaware of the
danger, imperiously, grazes on the grass..
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - QUEEN'S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
The QUEEN, granite-faced, still smarting from her row with
CHARLES, is in her bedroom. A nightcap martini is on her
bedside table. She is writing her diary.
PHILIP emerges from the bathroom, appears in the doorway..
ELIZABETH
I spoke to Charles this afternoon.
flicker of coldness behind her eyes..
ELIZABETH
Who was good enough to share with me
his views on motherhood.
PRINCE PHILIP
What did he say?
A
TV plays in the corner. DIANA, starved thin, panda-eyes,
the infamous Martin Bashir `PANORAMA' interview..
ELIZABETH
How wonderful Diana was.
RINCE PHILIP
That's changing his tune.
ELIZABETH
What a natural.
IANA (ON TV)
..I think..they see me as a threat of
some kind..
PRINCE PHILIP sees what's on television, then grimaces..
PRINCE PHILIP
(puckers face)
Oh, for God's sake..
47.
ELIZABETH
Maybe he's got a point. Maybe we are
partly to blame.
PHILIP goes over to the television..
PRINCE PHILIP
I can't watch this.
ELIZABETH
No, wait. Leave it.
PHILIP stares at the screen..
DIANA (ON TV)
"Every strong woman in history has had
to walk down a similar path.."
ELIZABETH
We encouraged the match. And signed
off on it. Both of us.
a beat)
You were very enthusiastic, remember.
RINCE PHILIP
She was a nice girl. Then.
DIANA (ON TV)
"And I think it's this strength that
causes the confusion and the fear."
PRINCE PHILIP shakes his head..
PRINCE PHILIP
And I was sure he'd give the other one
up. Or, at least make sure his wife
towed the line.
(a gesture)
Isn't that what everyone does?
A flicker behind the QUEEN's eyes.
ELIZABETH
Is it?
Her knuckles momentarily whiten. Unaware, PHILIP stares at
the television..
DIANA (ON TV)
"Why is she strong? Where is she
getting it from? Where is she going to
take it? How is she going to use it?"
He rolls his eyes in disbelief..
48.
PRINCE PHILIP (cont'd)
I can't bear it any more. If you're
watching, I'll sleep in here. Early
start tomorrow..
(kisses her on the
forehead)
See you in the morning.
PHILIP goes, leaving the QUEEN staring. Still stinging from
his remark about adultery.
ZAP', she angrily hits the remote. The picture goes black.
INT. DOWNING STREET - BLAIR'S HOME - NIGHT
TONY BLAIR and CHERIE at home, watching television. It's 10
o'clock. The KIDS are in bed, but their TOYS are still strewn
around the sitting-room. TONY is tidying them up into boxes..
ON SCREEN: British historian DAVID STARKEY is lambasting
CHARLES. TONY and CHERIE sit on the sofa, watching
television, eating pasta on their knees. STARKEY defends the
QUEEN. Part of an older generation. She knows no better.
CHERIE (cont'd)
How much of all this could be the
first stirrings of..
TONY
W
hat?
HERIE
..I don't know...something more
interesting. Maybe this time people
have finally seen them for what they
are.
TONY
Which is?
CHERIE
A bunch of freeloading, emotionally
retarded...nutters.
TONY
(rolls eyes)
That's just absurd.
CHERIE
Why? They exist in a ludicrous cocoon
of privilege and wealth. They don't
pay tax.
TONY
Yes, they do.
49.
CHERIE
The Queen alone costs us what? Thirty,
forty million a year..
TONY reaches the door, and turns..
TONY
ot you, too. Look...if you want to
have a serious conversation about
this..
CHERIE
I do..
TONY
..about the Constitution..
CHERIE
e don't HAVE one..
TONY
...or about ways in which we as a
Government could begin to phase out
hereditary privileges, then fine.
HERIE
(indicating plates)
If you're going, take the dishes..
TONY comes back to take the dirty plates..
TONY
But spare me the whole.."off with
their heads" thing.
CHERIE
Why?
TONY
Because it insults your intelligence.
CHERIE
"The case for reform is simple and
obvious. It is in principle wrong and
absurd that people should wield power
on the basis of birth, not merit or
election."
(a beat)
YOUR words, not mine.
TONY is momentarily thrown..
TONY
Well, maybe now I've grown up.
a beat)
It's unimaginable this country being a
republic. Certainly in her lifetime.
50.
CHERIE
Why?
TONY
Because...no would would wear it.
(can't help laughing at
the idea)
No one WANTS it.
(gestures)
It's just...daft.
TONY heads for the door..
HERIE
It's not a mother thing, is it?
TONY turns..
CHERIE
Think about it. If she were still
alive, wouldn't Hazel be exactly the
same age? Whenever you talk about your
mother, you mention her stoicism. Her
frugality. Her sense of duty. The fact
she was brought up in the way. Well
c'mon..?
(a beat)
Who does THAT sound like?
TONY smiles.
TONY
I'm going to do the washing-up. F
ADE TO BLACK
INT. DOWNING STREET - CORRIDOR - DAY
ALASTAIR and TONY walk through the labyrinthine corridors and
busy offices..
ALASTAIR
All right, the good news is that the
Palace has agreed to video screens in
the Royal Parks.
TONY
And the bad news?
ALASTAIR
Crash barriers.
TONY
What about them?
51.
ALASTAIR
hey're now predicting more than two
million people will descend on London,
and there aren't enough barriers to
line the route. So we've gone cap in
hand to the French for theirs. And
there's something else I think you
should see.
ALASTAIR leads TONY into..
INT. DOWNING STREET - MONITORING ROOM - DAY
T
TONY follows ALASTAIR into an office where a television plays
in the corner. Several young AIDES and INTERNS are watching,
recording, making notes. Shirtsleeves, feet on desks.
Informal.
ALASTAIR
Can we run that piece again? You're
going to love this.
An INTERN puts in a video, hits the `play' button. ON SCREEN:
several members of the public complain about the royals. TONY
watches for a moment, then..
TONY
Look, I know all this..
ALASTAIR
There!
ne member of the public complains about the flag..
TONY
Don't tell me. There isn't a flag
flying at half mast above Buckingham
Palace.
TONY rolls his eyes to himself.
TONY
God. Will someone save these people
from themselves..
(irritated)
F
ine. I'll call Balmoral...
TONY turns away, walks towards the door.
ALASTAIR
`Planet Zog'?
TONY
Because as Prime Minister of this
country, I've really got nothing
better to do..
52.
TONY walks out..
EXT. BALMORAL ESTATE - DAY
The ROYAL FAMILY is gathered for a bar-be-cue lunch. At a
distance, the BOYS, are in the river, being taught fishing by
a GHILLIE..
PRINCE PHILIP stands by a barbecue, struggling to get the
fire to light. The QUEEN MOTHER is in another corner..
A
LAND ROVER pulls up. The QUEEN gets out with her dogs. She
notices PHILIP's struggle with the bar-be-cue..
ELIZABETH
Those fire-lighters no good?
carrying tupperware
boxes)
I brought some stew just in case. I
think it's lamb. We could always have
that cold..
PRINCE PHILIP
No, we'll be all right.
he QUEEN throws some food to her dogs, but makes several
hand gestures forbidding them to eat. The DOGS salivate, and
whimper, but dutifully show their forbearance. Staring at the
food.
The QUEEN, meanwhile, starts setting places at the table with
plates, knives and forks..
ELIZABETH
Robin had a call from the Prime
Minister. Who expressed his concern.
HILIP turns, an exasperated look..
PRINCE PHILIP
About WHAT?
ELIZABETH
The flag above Buckingham Palace. He
thinks it should be flying at half-
mast.
The DOGS continue to P
whimper hungrily.
RINCE PHILIP
Then I hope Robin told him there ISN'T
a flag above Buckingham Palace...
(angrily jabs coals with a
long, sharp fork)
...only the Royal Standard, which
flies for one reason only.
(MORE)
53.
PRINCE PHILIP(cont'd)
To denote the presence of the Monarch.
Since you're here, the flag pole is
bare. Which is as it should be.
HARLES clears his throat..
CHARLES
Isn't it possible..that to some
people...the Royal Standard is just..
..a flag? And that the flap pole being
bare sends out the wrong signal.
The QUEEN turns. A withering look..
ELIZABETH
That's not the point.
RINCE PHILIP
The point is it's more than four
hundred years old. It has never been
lowered for ANYONE..
QUEEN MOTHER
Your grandfather didn't get that flag
at half-mast when he died and if your
mother were to die tomorrow, she
wouldn't get it either.
CHARLES
Yes...but sometimes...in a situation
like this..one has to be flexible..
All heads turn. And stare at CHARLES.
CHARLES
(shrugs)
It is just a flag.
ELIZABETH
"What about the Union Jack?", was Mr.
Blair's next suggestion.
UEEN MOTHER
(rolling eyes)
Oh, for heaven's sake.
PRINCE PHILIP
The next thing he'll be suggesting you
change your name to Hilda and mine to
Hector?
(
angry gesture)
Who does he think he's talking to?
You're the Sovereign. The Head of
State. You don't get dictated to.
a beat)
You've conceded the idea of a public
funeral. You've opened up the parks.
That's ENOUGH.
54.
The QUEEN indicates to PHILIP to keep his voice down, to
avoid upsetting the BOYS, who are still fishing..
PRINCE PHILIP (cont'd)
You wait. In forty-eight hours it was
all have calmed down.
ELIZABETH
Like those condolence books.
PRINCE PHILIP
Quite right.
(a defiant snort)
When we started with one, everyone
predicted they would grow and grow.
But we've heard nothing more about
that, see?
CHARLES clears his throat..
CHARLES
Apparently there are now fifteen.
ELIZABETH
What..?
CHARLES
And people are queuing through the
night.
PHILIP stares. The QUEEN's expression changes.
I
NT. BALMORAL CASTLE - CHARLES'S QUARTERS - DAY
CHARLES crosses the saloon to his study, talking to his
Private Secretary.
HARLES
In one sense its comforting.
a beat)
For the first time my parents can see
what it's been like for me all these
years, being up against her
popularity.
(a beat)
But they're still making the mistake
of thinking the Diana they knew from
living and dealing with her, will
eventually be the one seen by the
public. But it's not. The two Dianas,
theirs and ours, bear no relation to
one another at all.
CHARLES looks at LAMPORT..
55.
CHARLES (cont'd)
They just adored her. Would have loved
nothing more than for her to be Queen.
a beat)
Someone compassionate. With a heart.
Gifts in tragically short supply
around here.
HARLES looks at LAMPORT..
CHARLES
I've been thinking is the flag flying
at half mast over my house at
Highgrove?
LAMPORT
Yes, Sir.
CHARLES
Make sure we get a picture of that in
the papers, would you? If my mother
wants to make a mess of this, that's
her business.
a beat)
I won't let her drag me down, too.
INT. BLAIR'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
The BLAIRS are in bed working, watching TV. On TV: Tracey
Ullman speaks enthusiastically in favour of young, dynamic
C
Tony Blair in London. TONY and CHERIE watch..
HERIE
See? It isn't just me.
TONY
What?
CHERIE
People really DO want change. And want
YOU to give it to them.
TONY
And do what? Cut off their heads?
HERIE
Apparently, one in six people now
support the idea of getting rid of the
Monarchy.
TONY
(irritated gesture)
That's just the papers spoiling for a
fight.
56.
CHERIE
But still, imagine this country
without them? With a nice elected Head
of State?
a beat)
That'd be some legacy. If the
revolution were to happen on your
watch.
LAIR stares. Visibly unsettled.
INT. QUEEN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
The QUEEN sits at her desk, writing her diary. Her pen
scratches across the paper..
resently the PEN stops. She stares for a moment, her face a
picture of sadness..
FADE TO BLACK:
EXT. BALMORAL - DAY
The SHOOTING PARTY with WILLIAM, HARRY, and several GILLIES
and STALKERS drives off in various JEEPS.
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - PRIVATE SECRETARY'S OFFICE - DAY
JANVRIN stands at the window, looking out as the cars leave..
ANVRIN
That's the stalking party off?
e takes a deep breath..
JANVRIN
Right, we'd better have a look at
these papers.
S
ECRETARY
"Show us there's a heart in the House
of Windsor," says the Sun..
is SECRETARY passes a copy over to JANVRIN..
SECRETARY
It proves, the Royals are not like
us", the Mirror. "Time to change the
Old Guard at Buckingham Palace".
Express.
JANVRIN
(heart sinks)
God..
57.
The SECRETARY reads from "THE INDEPENDENT" ..
SECRETARY
"One can't help wondering who's advice
they are taking for it's clearly the
wrong advice..."
JANVRIN
Right...
The SECRETARY puts down the INDEPENDENT, open on a page
marked.."THE WINDSORS STILL DON'T UNDERSTAND US."
JANVRIN's face looks haunted..
JANVRIN (cont'd)
Well, I'll try not to take that
personally.
INT. DOWNING STREET - TONY'S STUDY - LATE AFTERNOON
TONY sits on his sofa. The three speech-writing AIDES
stand/sit in front of him. TONY reads from the speech..
TONY
"People have been yearning for a
change in this country." Good. "The
result is a quiet revolution now
taking place. Led by the real
modernisers. The British People.."
T
TONY tails off..
TONY
`Revolution'? Not you, too?
tails off)
Who wrote this?
One AIDE puts up his hand.
TONY
Where does it come from?
AIDE
Where does it come from?
IDE 2
Just look at the papers. Talk to
people on the streets.
IDE
Something's happening out there.
TONY's expression changes. He gets to his feet. Walks out,
muttering under his breath..
58.
TONY
Revolution.
The AIDES look at one another..
INT. DOWNING STREET - CORRIDOR - LATE AFTERNOON
TONY puts his head around his SECRETARY's door..
TONY (cont'd)
Get me Balmoral, will you?
a beat)
I'll take it in my office.
INT. DOWNING STREET - TONY'S OFFICE - LATE AFTERNOON
TONY walks back into his office. His face is deadly serious.
TONY
Right. You lot. Out.
TONY stands by the door. Holding it open. The AIDES stare at
one another..
AIDE
What about the speech?
TONY
Later.
The AIDES file out.
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - QUEEN'S STUDY - LATE AFTERNOON
The QUEEN and JANVRIN are working in one corner, going
through her red boxes. In another corner, PRINCE PHILIP sits
watching the television..
A tea-tray sits in front of him. Scones. Tea-cakes.
he QUEEN and JANVRIN are finishing off. JANVRIN stands,
(never sits in her presence)..
J
ANVRIN
..and finally, Ma'am, a DSO medal. A
Corporal, in Kosovo..you may have read
about it in the papers..pulled two
civilians from a bus after a bomb
blast.
The QUEEN signs the certificate of honour. PRINCE PHILIP
calls out, indicating the tea..
59.
PRINCE PHILIP
Hurry up, dear. Getting cold.
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Is that it?
JANVRIN
Yes, Ma'am. Just the letter of
condolence to the widow of the
Ambassador to Brazil.
The QUEEN signs. JANVRIN bows and leaves.
ELIZABETH
Good.
The QUEEN walks over to join PRINCE PHILIP for tea by the
television, when JANVRIN turns, (we notice his SECRETARY
stands in the doorway)..
JANVRIN
Ma'am, apparently the Prime Minister
is on the phone for you.
RINCE PHILIP
(snaps)
Tell him to call back.
The QUEEN hesitates, then..ever dutiful..
ELIZABETH
No, I'd better take it.
PRINCE PHILIP rolls his eyes. JANVRIN nods to his SECRETARY,
who rushes off to transfer the call.
he QUEEN walks over to her desk again. Picks up the phone.
ELIZABETH
Prime Minister?
INT. DOWNING STREET - LATE AFTERNOON
TONY sits up on his sofa in his office..
TONY
Good afternoon, your Majesty. I'm
sorry to disturb. I was just
wondering..
NT. BALMORAL - QUEEN'S STUDY - CONTINUOUS
PRINCE PHILIP indicates she should put TONY on speaker-phone.
The QUEEN obliges. TONY's voice comes out..
60.
TONY
...whether you'd seen any of today's
papers?
The QUEEN looks at her desk. Most of the newspapers are
strewn out in front of her..
ELIZABETH
We've managed to look at one or two,
yes.
TONY
In which case, my next question would
be - whether you felt some kind of
response might be necessary?
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
No. I believe a few over-eager editors
are doing their best to sell
newspapers..and it would be a mistake
to dance to their tune.
TONY
Under normal circumstances I would
agree, but..P
RINCE PHILIP
(under his breath)
Here we go! The bloody flag again..!
ELIZABETH indicates for PHILIP to be quiet..
TONY
..my advisers have been taking the
temperature among people on the
streets - and the information I'm
getting is that the mood..
(choosing words carefully)
...is quite delicate.
PRINCE PHILIP
(under his breath)
Of course. That's where all the ruddy
cameras are.
ELIZABETH gestures again for PHILIP to `SSSsshhh'..
ELIZABETH
So what would you suggest, Prime
Minister? Some kind of statement?
TONY
No, Ma'am. I believe the moment for
statements has passed.
TONY takes a deep breath..
61.
TONY
I would suggest flying the flag at
half-mast above Buckingham Palace...
PRINCE PHILIP almost has an apoplexy..
PRINCE PHILIP
See!
TONY
And coming down to London at the
earliest opportunity.
PHILIP stares in disbelief.."What?"
TONY
It would be a great comfort to your
people and would help them with their
grief.
ELIZABETH
THEIR grief?
he QUEEN exchanges a look with PHILIP..
ELIZABETH
If you're suggesting that I drop
everything and come down to London
before I attend to two boys that have
just lost their mother..you're
mistaken.
RINCE PHILIP
Absurd.. E
ELIZABETH
I doubt there are many who know the
British more than I do, Mr. Blair, nor
who has greater faith in their wisdom
and judgement. And it is my belief
that they will soon reject this `mood'
which has been stirred up by the
press...in favour of a period of
restrained grief, and sober, private
mourning.
a beat)
That's the way we do things in this
country. Quietly. With dignity.
(a beat)
It's what the rest of the world has
always admired us for.
TONY
Well, if that's your decision, Ma'am,
of course the government will support
it.
(MORE)
62.
TONY(cont'd)
(a beat)
Let's keep in touch.
ELIZABETH
Yes.
could hardly be less
enthusiastic)
Let's.
The QUEEN hangs up. Looks over at PHILIP..
PRINCE PHILIP
Bloody fool.
He indicates the tea..
PRINCE PHILIP
Now your tea's gone cold.
INT. BLAIR'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
T
TONY hangs up the phone. He is lost in thought. His SECRETARY
sticks her head around the door..
SECRETARY
Robin Janvrin on one.
a beat)
He must have been listening in.
TONY picks up the phone.
TONY
Mr Janvrin?
INT. PRIVATE SECRETARY'S OFFICE - BALMORAL - SAME TIME
JANVRIN speaks on the telephone to TONY BLAIR.
JANVRIN
Prime Minister, I understand how
`difficult' her behaviour must seem to
you..how `unhelpful'..but try to see
it from her perspective..
(searches for right words)
She's been brought up to believe its
God's will that she is who she is.
TONY
I think we should leave God out of it.
It's just not helpful.
JANVRIN
She won't have seen anything like this
since the Abdication.
a beat)
(MORE)
63.
JANVRIN(cont'd)
And I cannot emphasise enough what
affect that had on her. Unexpectedly
becoming King as good as killed her
father.
TONY
All right - but first we have to deal
with these terrible headlines. I'll
see what I can do with the Press.
JANVRIN
I'm most grateful, Prime Minister.
TONY
But I can't promise anything. It's not
me they want to see.
TONY hangs up, thinks, then..
INT CORRIDOR DOWNING STREET
Tony comes out of his office and walks down the corridor to
where the secretaries are.
TONY
Ask Alistair to come and see me will
you.
The Secretary nods and picks up the phone.
TONY
nd cancel whatever I'm doing tonight.
He turns and goes back to his office.
EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY
The QUEEN drives out in her Land Rover. And into the
countryside..
EXT. HIGHLANDS - DAY
The Land Rover shakes and judders. The QUEEN bobs up and
down. ESTATE WORKERS remove their hats as she drives past..
EXT. HIGHLANDS - DAY
The roads have become rougher and narrower. The QUEEN drives
with surprising confidence and ability. The QUEEN reaches a
fork. She drives on, taking the right fork.
64.
EXT. RIVER DEE - DAY
The QUEEN reaches the River Dee, then slows down. She stops
and stares. Ahead of her is a difficult, quite perilous
crossing.
he QUEEN composes herself, visibly intimidated. A deep
breath, then..
She drives into the fast-moving river.
EXT. RIVER DEE - DAY
The Land Rover's engine roars. The jeep rocks alarmingly side
to side as it slowly crosses the river.
One big rock after another. The QUEEN skilfully negotiates
the challenge, and is beginning to enjoy the experience..
But ahead is one rock she hasn't seen..
`Crreeak', the Land Rover's undercarriage hits the rock. The
ugly sound of tearing metal.
he QUEEN instinctively brakes, then sensing that was the
wrong thing to do, slams her foot down on the accelerator.
The engine roars in protest, and..
`Snap'. An ominous mechanical sound.
ELIZABETH
Oh..
The QUEEN's eyes widen. Knowing that sound was serious.
ELIZABETH
Oh, you are stupid.
She tries to start the car again, but to no avail. No matter
what she does, the Land Rover is stuck..
The QUEEN looks into the glove box. Inside is a mobile
telephone.
he QUEEN punches in a number..
ELIZABETH
(into phone)
Hello? Could you put me through to the
Ghillies' office?
listens)
H
ello, Thomas? I'm afraid I've done
something very foolish. I think I've
broken the prop-shaft. Crossing the
river.
65.
INT. GHILLIES OFFICE - DAY
The HEAD GHILLIE listens, his expression changes in alarm,
then..
HEAD GHILLIE
Are you sure, Ma'am?
ELIZABETH
Yes, perfectly. The front one, not the
rear. I've lost the four-wheel drive.
You forget I worked as a mechanic in
the war.
HEAD GHILLIE
And are you all right?
INT. LAND ROVER - SAME TIME
The Land Rover creaks as it rocks on the stone..
ELIZABETH
Yes, perfectly, thank you. I'm so
sorry to waste your time..
HEAD GHILIE
We'll come out straightaway.
ELIZABETH
Oh, will you? You are kind. Thank you.
a beat)
I'll wait by the car.
The QUEEN hangs up. Puts the phone away, then opens the Land
Rover's door.
EXT. HIGHLANDS - RIVER DEE - DAY
The QUEEN gingerly climbs out of the Land Rover, and walks
across the stones to the river bank, getting her shoes wet.
EXT. RIVER BANK - DAY
The QUEEN sits on a stone by the stranded Land Rover. She
sits in silence..
othing but the sound of running water, wind in the trees,
and birdsong.
Ah, that's good.
he QUEEN closes her eyes. All around her, silence except for
the sounds of the great outdoors.
66.
Privacy at last. The first moment of silence in what feels
like months. The QUEEN breathes deeply. It's all been a bit
much.
o time to think.
ne shock after another.
veryone shouting.
ll far too dramatic.
ome to think of it, this is the first time she's been able
to..
Suddenly, almost imperceptibly, we notice her shoulders are
shaking. Not dramatically, but enough to suggest what is
happening. The QUEEN - away from the world - is crying.
W
e only see her back. Presently, she reaches into her jacket
pocket, produces a handkerchief, and dabs her eyes.
Gradually, she composes herself.
That's better.
on't want to make a fuss.
he GILLIES will be here soon.
The QUEEN takes a deep breath. That's better.
resently the sound of rustling leaves, and the unmistakable
sense that she is being watched. Strange..
The QUEEN turns to have a look, then almost drops the cup..
Standing in front of her, no more than twenty yards, is the
STAG.
The QUEEN freezes, hardly dare breathe. It is enormous. His
antlers are bigger and more dramatic than she could have
imagined.
His fur is thick. His blaze across his nose is distinctive.
He is vast, almost the size of a horse.
nd staring at her. The QUEEN stares back.
ELIZABETH
Oh, you are a beauty.
It is unprecedented - almost supernatural. No STAG ever
willingly comes this close to humans.
he QUEEN looks into his dark, brown eyes. An unmistakable
connection between them..
67.
It's a magical moment. All around them the whistling of wind,
the sound of trees bending. Then, ever so faintly, in the
distance..
The hum of approaching engines. It's the GILLIES coming to
look for the QUEEN. Sensing this..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
(indicating the STAG
should go)
Go. Go on. You'd better go..
The STAG remains rooted to the spot..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
(claps hands)
Go. Shoo. Go on.
The ENGINES get closer and closer. The STAG takes a last look
at the QUEEN, then briefly inclines his head, turns, and
walks off.
o sooner has he disappeared into the woods, than..
Several LAND ROVERS appear, driving across the river, and
GILLIES and EQUERRYS jump out, holding tow-ropes, waving in
greeting and calling out, concerned for the QUEEN's safety..
The QUEEN takes a last look in the direction of the STAG, to
make sure he has gone, and smiles to herself.
e's vanished. It's as if he was never there.
INT. DOWNING STREET - BLAIR'S FLAT - AFTERNOON
TONY is putting on a fresh shirt and tie, standing in front
of a a mirror. CHERIE enters..
CHERIE
I've just been told there are news
crews outside waiting for you to come
and "speak to the people."
TONY
Yes.
HERIE
What's that about?
TONY
I told the Queen's private secretary
I'd do what I could to help with the
press.
68.
CHERIE
Why? Don't you think she deserves it?
Sitting up there on her 40,000 acres.
TONY
I know...but allowing her to hang
herself might not be in our best
interests either.
TONY exits, then stops at the door..
TONY
Besides, I think there's
something...ugly about the way
everyone's started to bully her.
HERIE watches TONY go.
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - QUEEN'S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
T
he QUEEN is in bed, watching television. Staring.
N SCREEN: television footage of TONY BLAIR, shaking hands
with `the people', defending the QUEEN, helping MOURNERS with
their grief..
V PRESENTER
..earlier tonight the Prime Minister
went out and pleaded with people to
understand the Royals' behaviour..
PRINCE PHILIP appears in the doorway...
ELIZABETH
How are the boys?
PRINCE PHILIP
Not so good tonight. A lot of slamming
doors.
(a beat)
I think they saw the papers.
The QUEEN's eyes close. Pained..
ELIZABETH
Oh, no..
ON SCREEN: television footage of FAMILIES sleeping in parks.
Kensington Palace is a sea of flowers and tributes. The MALL
is lined with singing, hugging, weeping MOURNERS of all ages
and nationalities, holding candles..
PRINCE PHILIP
I'll take them out early again
tomorrow morning.
69.
The QUEEN stares with total lack of comprehension at the VOX
POPS which the television interviewer is doing..
TV INTERVIEWER (ON TV)
Where have you come from?
MOURNER 1 (ON TV)
Hamburg.
TV INTERVIEWER (ON TV)
Hamburg, Germany?
OURNER 1 (ON TV)
Well, I just had to be here. She was
such a wonderful woman..
P
RINCE PHILIP
What?
MOURNER 2 (ON TV)
She was an angel..
PRINCE PHILIP
...and a hysteric.
MOURNER 3 (ON TV)
o compassionate, and caring..
PRINCE PHILIP
Oh, please..
PHILIP indicates the television..
PRINCE PHILIP (cont'd)
Sleeping in the streets and pulling
out their hair for someone they never
knew?
He shoots a quizzical look..
PRINCE PHILIP
And they think we're mad?
PHILIP turns to the QUEEN..
PRINCE PHILIP (cont'd)
Have you seen the latest funeral guest
list?
ELIZABETH
No.
PRINCE PHILIP
I suggest you keep it that way. A
chorus line of soap stars and
homosexuals.
(a beat)
(MORE)
70.
PRINCE PHILIP(cont'd)
Apparently Elton John is going to be
singing.
The QUEEN's eyes close. It's agony.
PRINCE PHILIP
That'll be a first for Westminster
Abbey.
The QUEEN stares distractedly at the television..
PRINCE PHILIP
Condolence books are now being signed
in our embassies in every major city
in the world.
a beat)
And in London alone the number has
reached forty.
fter a beat..
PRINCE PHILIP
stares at the CROWDS of
MOURNERS on the
television)
This reminds me of one of those films.
A few of us in a Fort. Hordes of Zulus
outside.
P
silence. The TELEVISION coverage continues..
RINCE PHILIP
So it's VITAL you hold firm. Stick to
your guns. You wait. They will come to
their senses soon.
a beat)
They HAVE to.
PHILIP climbs into bed beside the QUEEN..
PRINCE PHILIP
C'mon, move over, Cabbage.
The QUEEN stares at the TV. Staring at a modern Britain, a
modern world she no longer understands.
EXT. HIGHLANDS - NIGHT
A bright, full moon. The unmistakable silhouette of THE STAG
walks slowly across the blue-white orb - until he reaches a
river..
There, he stops, and bellows imperiously into the night.
ADE TO BLACK:
71.
INT. DOWNING STREET - BEDROOM - DAY
The following morning.
6.30 am. TONY watches from his bed. The pastel-coloured set
of `GOOD MORNING TV'. The hosts, a MAN and WOMAN in their
forties, sit on a sofa. The MAN turns to the camera..
T
ELEVISION PRESENTER
It's six o'clock. Time for a look at
the morning's newspapers. Jenny..
WE CUT TO: a smiling woman in her thirties, who sits at a
coffee table which is covered in newspapers..
JENNY
Good morning. Well if you thought
yesterday's headlines for the Royals
couldn't get any worse - think again.
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - QUEEN'S BEDROOOM - DAY
The QUEEN sits in bed, reading the newspapers. Her expression
is ashen. She stares at the headlines.
From outside her window, the sound of bagpipes as the PIPER
SERGEANT stoically plays in a heavy Scottish downpour..
A distant rumble of thunder.
INT. DOWNING STREET - TONY'S OFFICE - DAY
8.00 TONY BLAIR is with ALASTAIR CAMPBELL and a team of AIDES
are in a meeting room with the newspapers in front of them..
ALASTAIR
(takes another paper)
T
he Sun - "Where is our Queen? Where
is her flag?"
takes another paper)
The Express, "Show us you care", with
a picture of a grumpy Queen.
(takes another paper)
The Mail - "Let the Flag Fly at half-
mast", and inside, "The Queen should
be here to show her respects."
ALASTAIR raises his eyebrow.
LASTAIR
Blimey! But the flip-side is...
"Blair more popular than Churchill
shock."
72.
ALASTAIR expects TONY to be pleased, but instead he appears
concerned..
TONY
Did any of them pick up on our
statement of support?
ALASTAIR
Just one.
CAMPBELL shows BLAIR the front page of `THE GUARDIAN' where
"BLAIR DEFENDS STOICAL ROYALS.." is a minor headline..
LASTAIR (cont'd)
Statements of support don't sell
papers.
TONY's expression changes. Frustrated. He thinks, then..
TONY
Right..
TONY gets to his feet, and walks out. ALASTAIR watches
EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY (CLUNY)
The QUEEN walks out for her walk with her Corgis. She has her
head-scarf and old raincoat on. DOGS barking excitedly..
She is about to set off, when JANVRIN appears, breathlessly..
ANVRIN
The Prime Minister for you, Ma'am.
The QUEEN looks pained at the thought..
JANVRIN
I'm afraid he's rather insisting.
ELIZABETH
All right. I'll take it here.
a beat)
In the kitchens.
INT. BALMORAL - KITCHENS - DAY
Frantic KITCHEN STAFF disperse in all directions as the QUEEN
comes into the kitchen, DOGS barking..
COOKS and MAIDS doff their caps, bowing in respect, then run
into hiding, as the telephone extension rings..
The QUEEN picks it up..
73.
ELIZABETH
ood morning, Prime Minister.
The QUEEN gestures to her DOGS. They promptly fall silent.
INT. DOWNING STREET - SAME TIME
TONY sits in his chair..
T
TONY
Good morning, Ma'am.
TONY hesitates, then chooses his words carefully..
TONY (cont'd)
You've seen today's headlines?
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - KITCHENS - SAME TIME
COOKS and FOOTMEN rush in a chair for the QUEEN, and bring a
cup of tea. The QUEEN sits down..
The DOGS duly follow suit. And sit.
ELIZABETH
Yes, I have.
TONY
Then I'm sure you'll agree. The
situation has become quite critical.
TONY takes a breath. Knows this won't be easy.
TONY (CONT'D)
Ma'am, a poll that's to be published
in tomorrow's paper suggests 70% of
people believe your actions have
damaged the monarchy and one in four
are now in favour of abolishing the
monarchy altogether.
ilence.
TONY
As your Prime Minister, I believe it's
my constitutional responsibility to
ADVISE the following..
TONY braces himself. Knows the impact his words will have..
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - KITCHEN - DAY
The QUEEN hangs up. She appears profoundly shaken. She turns
to JANVRIN..
74.
ELIZABETH
Is Queen Elizabeth up yet?
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - STAIRCASE - DAY
he QUEEN walks up a staircase to her mother's quarters..
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - CORRIDOR - DAY
The QUEEN walks along a corridor. She reaches a door. Knocks.
Then, rather touchingly, calls out..
ELIZABETH
Mummy?
INT. BALMORAL - QUEEN MOTHER'S BEDROOM - DAY
he QUEEN sits on the unmade bed, as the QUEEN MOTHER
finishes getting dressed, (attended by DRESSERS)..
ELIZABETH
One - lower the flag to half-mast
above Buckingham Palace and all other
Royal residences. Two - leave
Balmoral, and fly down to London at
the earliest opportunity. Three - pay
respects in person at Diana's coffin.
And four - make a statement via live
television to my people and the world.
The QUEEN stares.
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Swift prosecution of these matters, he
felt, might, just might avert
disaster.
E
XT. BALMORAL GROUNDS - DAY
he QUEEN and QUEEN MOTHER walk through the grounds: stout,
resolute, waterproofs, rain. A glorious Scottish summer.
Distant rumbles of thunder...
QUEEN MOTHER
bviously you're going to have to talk
to the Lord Chamberlain about all
this.
ELIZABETH
I have.
UEEN MOTHER
And to Robert Fellowes.
75.
ELIZABETH
To him too.
UEEN MOTHER
And..?
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
It seems they both agree with him.
A silence.
QUEEN MOTHER
I see.
he QUEEN stares. Then..
ELIZABETH
Something's happened. There's been a
change...a shift of values..
The QUEEN looks up..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
When you no longer understand your
people, isn't it time to hand over to
the next generation?
QUEEN MOTHER
Certainly not! Remember the oath you
took
ELIZABETH
"I declare that my whole life, whether
it be long or short, shall be devoted
to your service."
QUEEN MOTHER
Your WHOLE life. That's a commitment
to God as well as your people.
ELIZABETH
But if my actions are damaging the
crown?
QUEEN MOTHER
Damaging them? My dear, you are the
greatest asset this institution has.
One of the greatest it has EVER had.
The problem will come when you leave,
but that's not for you to worry about -
and certainly not today.
he Queen rolls her eyes..
ELIZABETH
Mummy..
76.
Then drifts off, into her own thoughts
ELIZABETH
It's just no one seems to value
tradition or constancy any more.
(a beat)
It's all about show. About wearing
your heart on your sleeve.
QUEEN MOTHER
And you're not like that. Never have
been. No...you must show strength. Re-
assert your authority. You sit on the
most powerful throne in Europe. Head
of an unbroken line that goes back
more than a thousand years. How many
of your predecessors do you imagine
would have dropped everything and gone
down to London because people holding
candles wanted help with their grief?
The QUEEN MOTHER's tirade continues, but the QUEEN is not
listening. She knows she has a decision to make.
UEEN MOTHER
And as for Mr Blair and his Cheshire
Cat grin...
EXT. BALMORAL GROUNDS - LATE AFTERNOON
The stalking Party is wrapping up after a day on the moors,
some two dozen people, stalkers, members of the Royal Family,
gamekeepers etc. load up the Land Rovers ready to return to
Balmoral Castle.
mobile phone rings. The Head Ghillie appears holding the
phone.
GHILLIE
Mr Janvrin for you sir.
Prince Philip takes the phone... a little surprised.
PRINCE PHILIP
Yes Robin....?
Philip listens
PRINCE PHILIP
What? It's madness! The whole thing!
Bloody madness!
Thunderous, Philip hangs up.
PRINCE PHILIP
It seems we are going back to London!
77.
PHILIP climbs angrily into the Land Rover, slamming the door.
People's eyes widen.
INT. QUEEN'S STUDY - BALMORAL - LATE AFTERNOON
The QUEEN's face in close-up. CHARLES peers round the door..
He stares. Then, after a beat...
CHARLES
I've just been told. You've decided to
go back to London.
T
he QUEEN's face. Avoids eye contact.
CHARLES
I just want to say - I admire...
(strangled, trying to find
the right words)
I think it's the right decision.
Silence. CHARLES stares..
CHARLES
Let's hope we haven't left it too
late.
The QUEEN ignores him. CHARLES goes.
EXT. BALMORAL GATES - DUSK
n explosion of flashlights: the motor-winders and flashbulbs
of the WORLD's MEDIA whir and pop through the gates of
Balmoral Castle.
It's an eerie, venal image. An unmistakable echo of DIANA's
world, and her last moments in Paris.
The QUEEN, CHARLES, PHILIP, and the two PRINCES try not to
show their hostility, and gingerly inspect the flowers laid
at the gates of Balmoral..
The QUEEN's face is grim set. Lips pursed. Visibly uneasy
with the CAMERAS audibly whirring all around her.
CHARLES holds his son's hand, and tries to concentrate on the
flowers and wreathes and tributes.
RINCE WILLIAM stares at the CAMERAS. Hostile,
uncomprehending looks. The beginning of a lifelong animosity.
Suddenly..
`
BANG' a passing motorbike's exhaust backfires. CHARLES jolts
in shock, and flinches privately.
78.
Clearly, his fears have not lessened. He's expecting the
bullet at any moment..
NT. DOWNING STREET - BLAIR FAMILY FLAT - SAME TIME
In the kitchen: CHERIE is feeding the kids supper at the
kitchen table. The cheery chaos of family life. Everyone
talking at once. Laughter. Teasing.
Through an open door, we can see TONY in the sitting-room
working. Shirt-sleeves, tie loosened..
INT. BLAIR FLAT - SITTING ROOM - SAME TIME
TONY sits with his feet up, doing his boxes, signing papers,
and half watching television at the same time.
ON SCREEN: the QUEEN and the Royals doing their photo-call.
The voice of the NEWS READER at Channel Four..
NEWS READER (ON T.V.)
We are just getting some pictures now
from Balmoral. These are rather
historic shots. Clearly the Queen has
responded to criticism that the Royal
Family is not engaged..
T
TONY looks up. Breathes a sigh of relief..
TONY
(to himself)
Thank God for that.
From the kitchen: CHERIE's voice..
CHERIE (cont'd)
It's fish-fingers. Want any?
TONY
Be right there.
TONY finishes signing the papers. Turns off the TV. Walks
into the kitchen. We hear CHERIE's voice as the door closes..
CHERIE
I'm afraid they're a bit burned.
FADE TO BLACK
EXT. BALMORAL - DAY
The PIPER SERGEANT walks around the castle perimeter playing
the bag-pipes.
79.
INT QUEENS BEDROOM - DAY
The Queen is being dressed in black by her DRESSERS. Her Face
apparently inscrutable. But the difficulty of the situation
is clear.
INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - BEDROOMS - VARIOUS - DAY
The QUEEN comes downstairs to the first landing where bags
are being brought out of the rooms by MAIDS and VALETS
P
RINCE PHILIP
Where are the boys? Have they already
left?
ELIZABETH
Yes. They left for London after
breakfast. With Charles.
HILIP shakes his head..
PRINCE PHILIP
It's not right, you know
ELIZABETH
Yes, but further discussion is no
longer helpful either.
The QUEEN heads downstairs. PHILIP follows...
PRINCE PHILIP
Oh, well. I suppose it gives the
ghillies time to find a new stag for
the boys now theirs has been shot.
ELIZABETH
What?
The QUEEN momentarily stiffens..
PRINCE PHILIP
Haven't you heard? It wandered onto
one of the neighbouring estates where
it was shot by one of the commercial
guests.
ELIZABETH
Really..?
The blood has drained from her face..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Which estate?
80.
EXT. BALMORAL - COURTYARD - DAY
The QUEEN, pulling an old Barbour over her black dress,
emerges into a courtyard where the royal cars are being
loaded with bags for the trip.
She climbs into a landrover, starts the engine.
SECURITY MEN stare quizzically at one another, then leap into
life and dash to their own cars to follow
They drive out of the Balmoral Estate.
INT. DOWNING STREET - BLAIR OFFICE - DAY
TONY sits at his desk working on his speech. A knock on the
door. ALASTAIR CAMPBELL enters..
CAMPBELL
Here's your box. There's some
(
important policy unit stuff on top.
a beat)
And you've seen the papers?
TONY
(snaps, irritated)
I'm the Prime Minister. Of course I've
seen the papers.
ALASTAIR indicates the newspapers laid out on the table..
'The Times': `PALACE BENDS THE KNEE TO BLAIR"
'The Sun': "QUEEN CAVES IN ON PALACE FLAG".
`The Express': "DOWNING STREET STEPS IN TO SAVE QUEEN".
`The Mirror': "A QUIET WORD FROM TONY BLAIR AND THE NATION
GETS ITS WISH".
LASTAIR
(in comic voice)
"Your Maj? Come down to London." "Who
says so?" "Tony Blair."
LASTAIR reaches the door - sees TONY. Then..
ALASTAIR
"Mr. Father of the Nation."
ALASTAIR goes. TONY watches. Losing patience.
81.
EXT. NEIGHBOURING CASTLE - COURTYARD - DAY
The QUEEN's Land Rover, plus a protection vehicle, pulls up
in a courtyard at Braemar Castle.
The DRIVERS jump out. Go to open the doors for her..
Working STALKERS and GHILLIES stop in their tracks, and
double-take. Faces appear at windows. STABLE-HANDS, VISITORS
and ESTATE STAFF stop and stare..
We over hear whispers, `Bloody hell!' `It's her!'
Presently, the HEAD GHILLIE appears in a doorway,
deferentially straightening his hair, and clothes. He walks
towards the QUEEN.
HEAD GILLIE
Morning, Ma'am. Is it his Lordship
you've come to see?
H
e reaches into his pockets for his cell-phone..
ELIZABETH
No, no..please don't disturb him. I've
come on another matter. I hope you
don't mind..
EXT. NEIGHBOURING ESTATE - DAY
The QUEEN and HEAD GILLIE walk towards a circular cooling
room. The HEAD GILLIE opens the door..
INT. NEIGHBOURING ESTATE - REFRIGERATED ROOM - DAY
A large cooling room, where the shot animals are washed,
disembowelled and cut up.
Hanging in the centre of the room, his innards removed, blood
draining onto the floor, is the STAG. A GAMEKEEPER, in
overalls, is working on the carcass, when the door opens, and
the QUEEN walks in.
he GAMEKEEPER straightens. Stops what he's doing..
HEAD GILLIE
There he is..
The QUEEN gasps in shock. Notices the GAMEKEEPER was about to
begin the process of severing the STAG's head. The HEAD
GILLIE, mistaking her reaction for admiration, smiles..
82.
HEAD GILLIE (cont'd)
Yes, he's a beauty, isn't he? An
Imperial, Ma'am. Fourteen pointer.
ut the QUEEN has not heard. She indicates a nasty wound..
ELIZABETH
e was wounded.
HEAD GILLIE
Yes. We got our guest in very close,
had him lined-up perfect, and still..
shrugs apologetically)
..an investment banker, Ma'am. From
London.
The QUEEN stretches her hand out, almost touches the wound..
HEAD GILLIE (cont'd)
I'm afraid the stalkers had to follow
him for miles - to finish him off.
ELIZABETH
voice cracks)
Let's hope he didn't suffer too much.
Unseen by others, the QUEEN's knuckles whiten..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Please pass my congratulations to your
guest.
HEAD GILLIE
I will, Ma'am.
he clears her throat, then goes..
HEAD GILLIE
(removing hat)
God bless you.
The QUEEN goes. Dignified on the outside, but dying a
thousand deaths underneath.
MATCH CUT TO:
INT. AEROPLANE - ROYAL FLIGHT - DAY
The QUEEN's face. She staring out of the window, dying a
thousand deaths inside, on her way to RAF NORTHOLT in London.
She is aboard the private jet belonging to the Queen's
Flight, sitting opposite her is the QUEEN MOTHER
n the table in between them are all the morning's NEWSPAPERS
with their humiliating headlines.
83.
A shadow passes across her. The sound of a clearing throat.
The QUEEN looks up. It's ROBIN JANVRIN. She snaps out of it.
E
ELIZABETH
Yes, Robin..
She puts on her glasses. Composure returns. Professional
again.
JANVRIN
I've done a draft of your television
address.
ELIZABETH
Thank you.
ANVRIN puts it down. He notices all the NEWSPAPERS.
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Was there anything else?
JANVRIN opens his mouth, wants to say something to comfort
her..but realises it would be inappropriate.
JANVRIN
No, Ma'am. Landing in fifteen minutes.
EXT. MALL - DAY - ARCHIVE
The CAR carrying the QUEEN and PRINCE PHILIP sweeps into the
MALL.
NT. DOWNING STREET - ALASTAIR'S OFFICE - DAY
ALASTAIR sits at his desk. A TV plays the footage of the
QUEEN's car driving through the MALL..
A SECRETARY walks in..
SECRETARY
I've got a copy of the Queen's speech.
She passes it over to ALASTAIR..
SECRETARY
Shall I give Tony a copy?
LASTAIR
Let me have a look at it first.
ALASTAIR starts reading it..
84.
INT. CAR - SAME TIME - ARCHIVE / RECONSTITUTED ARCHIVE
The QUEEN and PHILIP stare out of the car. For the first
time, they get an idea of the actual size and scale of the
CROWDS..
PRINCE PHILIP
(jaw drops)
Good God..
The QUEEN stares in fear and disbelief at the people lining
the MALL. In places, the CROWDS are standing twenty deep.
he FACES are reflected in the car windows. Are they hostile?
Are they people she understands? Camera flashlights pop.
NT. DOWNING STREET - ALASTAIR'S OFFICE - SAME TIME
ALASTAIR makes a change to the Queen's speech. We CLOSE on
the text as he writes, inserting...
"..speaking as a Grandmother"..
In the background, on TV: we see the QUEEN's car pulls up.
The doors open, the QUEEN gets out..
Unaware her words are being edited by her Government.
T
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY - LIVE
he QUEEN steps out into the crowds..
INT. DOWNING STREET - MONITORING ROOM - DAY
TONY and several AIDES are watching the televisions.
ON SCREEN: the QUEEN and PHILIP are looking at bouquets laid
at the gates of the palace, reading messages and
inscriptions..
Candles are burning. Incense sticks. There are pictures of
DIANA, and mini-shrines. Poems have been written.
TONY watches intently. Behind him, the door opens and
ALASTAIR enters..
ALASTAIR
They sent a copy of the Queen's
speech.
ALISTAIR holds it between finger and thumb..
85.
ALASTAIR (CONT'D)
You might want to scrape the frost off
it first.
ALASTAIR passes it to TONY..
ALASTAIR
I made a couple of changes. So it
sounds like it comes from a human
being.
ALASTAIR turns, walks towards the door..
ALASTAIR
Oh, and one bit of good news. The old
boot's FINALLY agreed to pay respects
at Diana's coffin.
TONY spins round, eyes flashing in anger..
TONY
You know when you get it wrong, you
REALLY get it wrong.
a beat)
That woman has given her whole life in
service to her people - fifty years
doing a job she NEVER wanted - a job
she watched kill her father. She's
executed it with dignity, honour and,
as far as I can tell, without a single
blemish - and now we line up baying
for her blood - why? Because she's
struggling to lead the world in
mourning for a woman who threw
everything she offered back in her
face, and who seemed, in the last few
years, to be committed twenty-four
seven to destroy everything she holds
dear.
TONY storms off.
EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
The QUEEN continues to read the hand-written messages for
DIANA, "We love you." "Rest with the angels, Diana". "You
touched us with your love."
nd also some which are downright hostile. "You were too good
for them." "They have your blood on their hands."
he QUEEN stares, visibly shocked, then..
Behind her, a small GIRL approaches, holding a bouquet of
flowers. She stops, in front of the QUEEN..
86.
ELIZABETH
Oh..hello.
he LITTLE GIRL tries to curtsey..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
Would you like me to place them for
you?
LITTLE GIRL
No.
ELIZABETH
Oh.
LITTLE GIRL
They're for you.
ELIZABETH
(visibly shocked)
For me..?
The QUEEN is thrown. Suddenly looks utterly lost. Vulnerable,
almost childlike. Her eyes are puffy and swollen, as though
she is fighting tears..
C
ROWDS of MOURNERS watch intently. The QUEEN takes the
flowers, then turns and walks away, visibly shaken..
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CHINESE ROOM - DAY
A television CREW is rigging lights in the Chinese Room in
Buckingham Palace. JANVRIN enters and crosses the room.
CAMERAS are being fixed to tripods..
The QUEEN sits in a corner going through her speech.
ANVRIN
Your Majesty, there's a last minute
addition from Downing Street. They're
suggesting adding `..and as a
grandmother..' here.
ELIZABETH
Right.
The QUEEN makes a note on the text..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
"So what I say to you now, as your
Queen and as a grandmother, I say from
my heart."
JANVRIN
You think you can say it?
87.
ELIZABETH
Do I have a choice?
The QUEEN turns as SOUND RECORDERS fix a clip-mike to her
dress.
IRECTOR
We're ready for you, your Majesty..
The QUEEN gets up.
DIRECTOR
Just to confirm this is going out
live.
ELIZABETH
Right
DIRECTOR
And you'll be at the front of the six
o'clock news on all the channels
ELIZABETH
I see.
The QUEEN is led over to where the DIRECTOR has placed a
chair and table in front of the cameras and lights..
FLOOR MANAGER
(calling out)
Ten seconds, everyone..
The QUEEN sits at her desk. Final touches from hair and make-
up. The MALL is clearly visible. The QUEEN holds the speech
in front of her..
DIRECTOR (cont'd)
Five, four..
We close on the QUEEN's face, and..
ELIZABETH
Since last Saturday's dreadful news we
have seen, throughout Britain and the
world, an overwhelming expression of
sadness at Diana's death..
WATCHING FROM THE WINGS:
PRINCE PHILIP and PRINCE CHARLES watch. PHILIP clenches his
jaw muscles in irritation.
I
NT. CHINESE ROOM - SAME TIME
he QUEEN continues..
88.
ELIZABETH
We have all been trying in our
different ways to cope. The initial
shock is often succeeded by a mixture
of other feelings. Disbelief,
incomprehension, anger and concern for
those who remain.
INT. DOWNING STREET - SAME TIME
TONY and CHERIE BLAIR watch from their apartment..
ELIZABETH (ON TV)
We have all felt these emotions in
these last few days. So what I say to
you now, as your Queen and as a
grandmother, I say from my heart...
TONY flinches in sympathy as she says the line. CHERIE
notices this, then..
CHERIE
"Heart"? What "heart". She doesn't
mean a word of this.
TONY
That's not the point. What she's doing
is extraordinary.
(points to the TV)
That's how you survive.
CHERIE turns, and stares..
CHERIE
Listen to you! A week ago you were the
great moderniser, making speeches
about the "People's Princess", now
you've gone weak at the knees.
TONY bristles with irritation..
CHERIE
I don't know why I'm surprised. In the
end, all Labour Prime Ministers go ga-
ga for her Maj.
ELIZABETH (ON TV)
I hope that tomorrow we can all,
wherever we are, join in expressing
our grief at Diana's loss, and
gratitude for her all-too-short life.
89.
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CHINESE ROOM - SAME TIME
The QUEEN draws to a close. Her face is inscrutable. The
DIRECTOR prepares his CREW to wind up..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
May those who died rest in peace and
may we, each and every one of us..
CLOSE-UP OF THE QUEEN:
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
..thank God for someone who made many,
many people happy.
The QUEEN holds her expression for the camera. Then..
DIRECTOR
(calls out)
And we're out..!
The QUEEN's face relaxes. As does everyone in the room. A
huge, collective breathing out.
D
IRECTOR (cont'd)
Thank you, your Majesty.
But the QUEEN doesn't acknowledge him. She removes her clip-
mike, and hands it to the DIRECTOR..
..then walks over to a waiting PRINCE PHILIP, who
protectively extends an arm. The QUEEN and PRINCE PHILIP
leave the room. People are left staring awkwardly at one
another..
OVER THIS: we FADE IN the sound of a haunting, elegiac hymn..
INT. WESTMINSTER ABBEY - DAY
A soloist sings "Libera me, Domine" from Verdi's Requiem, in
Westminster Abbey as:
GUESTS, (including TOM CRUISE, TON HANKS, NICOLE KIDMAN and
STEVEN SPIELBERG), arrive with swollen, red eyes, for the
funeral.
UCIANO PAVAROTTI also attends - along with STING, TRUDI
STYLER, BILL and HILARY CLINTON, ELTON JOHN, MOHAMMED AL-
FAYED, CLIFF RICHARD, QUEEN NOOR...
TONY and CHERIE BLAIR take their positions at the front of
the church. The First Couple of Great Britain.
90.
EXT. STREETS OF LONDON - DAY
DIANA's coffin is driven away. Showered by flowers all the
way to her final resting place at Althorp.
T
he entire distraught, tearful NATION it seems, has come out
onto the streets to pay their final respects.
SLOW FADE TO BLACK:
CAPTION: `TWO MONTHS LATER'
NT. DOWNING STREET - BLAIR'S FLAT - EVENING
The face of TONY BLAIR stares back from a bathroom mirror.
CHERIE is proudly tying his tie. Checking his appearance.
We're in the family apartment above 11, Downing Street.
CHERIE puts the finishing touches to his appearance..
We notice her appearance has become even more stylish. Gone
is her spiky hair. And the rough edges. Every inch the First
Lady. They've both come a long way in a short time.
CHERIE
So? Off to see your girlfriend?
TONY
Now, now..
CHERIE
I hope she shows you some respect this
time. It's quite a debt of gratitude
she owes you.
CHERIE straightens his tie..
CHERIE
Mr "Saviour of the Monarchy."
TONY
doubt she'll see it that way.
XT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - COURTYARD - EVENING
TONY's motorcade sweeps into Buckingham Palace. Doors are
opened by his PROTECTION OFFICERS.
TONY steps out to be greeted by the waiting JANVRIN..
TONY
Robin. Good to see you.
91.
JANVRIN
Prime Minister.
TONY
(his most winning smile)
Tony, please..
JANVRIN allows himself a private smile..
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - CORRIDOR - EVENING
TONY BLAIR and the EQUERRY walk along the corridor, and reach
the door.
TONY shoots his cuffs. Clears his throat. The EQUERRY knocks.
INT. AUDIENCE ROOM - EVENING
TONY and the EQUERRY enter. Both bow from the neck..
EQUERRY
The Prime Minister, Ma'am.
TONY walks forward and meets the QUEEN, who, like JANVRIN,
barely smiles, doesn't make eye contact, shakes his hand, and
indicates a seat..
ELIZABETH
Do sit down.
TONY
Thank you.
TONY sits, and stares at the QUEEN. Her face is inscrutable.
T
TONY
It's good to see you again. After
quite a summer..
The QUEEN's face. Stiffens.
TONY (cont'd)
I'm referring to your visit to India
and Pakistan, where your comments
about ending historic disagreements
went down very well.
ilence.
TONY (cont'd)
And the Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting. I spoke to the
Prime Minister of Malawi, who was
saying how much he appreciated your
tough stance on Nigeria.
92.
Silence.
TONY
I meant to tell you at the time but
you were being monopolised rather.
ilence.
TONY
I imagine those occasions are quite
difficult. Twenty-four heads of
Government each clamouring for a
private audience..
Silence. TONY takes a deep breath, then..
TONY
Also, we haven't had a chance to speak
since THAT week. And I wanted to offer
my apologies..
The QUEEN looks up..
ELIZABETH
Whatever for?
TONY
In case you'd felt `manhandled' or
`managed' in any way.
ELIZABETH
Not at all.
beat.
ELIZABETH
I don't think I shall ever understand
what happened this summer.
TONY
The circumstances were exceptional,
Ma'am. And in the end, you showed
great personal strength, courage, and
humility. E
ELIZABETH
ou're confusing humility with
humiliation.
TONY
That's not true.
ELIZABETH
You didn't hear what they were saying
in the Mall that Friday.
93.
TONY
I still believe History will show it
was a good week for you.
ELIZABETH
And an even better one for you, Mr
Blair.
TONY
But there are fifty-two weeks in a
year, Ma'am. And two and a half
thousand in a half century.
The QUEEN looks up. Thrown by his compliment..
TONY
And when people come to assess your
legacy, no one will remember those few
days.
ELIZABETH
Really?
ELIZABETH
You don't feel that what respect or
affection people might once have had
for..
She wants to say `Me', but instead says..
ELIZABETH
..this institution has been
diminished?
TONY
Not at all.
pause..
ELIZABETH
I gather some of your closest advisors
were less fulsome in their support..
TONY
One or two. But as a leader one
has...a different perspective.
a beat)
I could never have added my voice to
the chorus.
ELIZABETH
You're very kind.
The QUEEN looks at TONY, raises an eyebrow..
94.
ELIZABETH
But let's also not forget the more
pragmatic reason.
TONY
Which is?
ELIZABETH
That without me there to distract
everyone, it'd suddenly become
embarrassingly clear how much
unchecked power the British Prime
Minister actually has.
TONY looks up..
ELIZABETH
If fifty years of doing MY job has
taught me anything, it is that the
people doing YOURS generally prefer me
with all my faults to some kind of
meddling President..
(a beat)
Just look at the French.
The QUEEN opens her handbag, and takes out her reading
glasses.. E
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
I suppose we'd better get on with the
business in hand..
The QUEEN looks out of the window. Notices how the sun is
setting..
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
I do love this time of day. Shall we
walk while there's still some sunshine
left? I do hope you're a walker.
TONY
I am.
ELIZABETH
Good. The clocks go back next week,
then it'll be dark by five.
TONY and the QUEEN get to their feet.
ELIZABETH (cont'd)
I always think these meetings stand a
better chance of succeeding if the
Prime Minister is a walker.
FOOTMEN open the door as TONY and the QUEEN go out of the
Audience Room, and into..
95.
INT. CORRIDOR - BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY
BLAIR and the QUEEN turns a corner, and emerge into a
corridor from the audience room...
ELIZABETH
As a matter of fact, it's how I think
best. On my feet. I've never been one
for sitting around endlessly. A good
walk and fresh air sorts everything
out..
Unexpectedly, she stops. And suddenly we realize she's been
holding something back..
ELIZABETH
One in four, you said? Wanted to get
rid of me? T
TONY
For about half an hour. But then you
came down to London and all that went
away.
ELIZABETH
I've never been hated like that
before.
TONY
No. And that must have been difficult.
ELIZABETH
It was. Very.
They begin walking again..
ELIZABETH
Ever since Diana people want glamour
and tears..the grand performance..and
I'm not very good at that. I prefer to
keep my feelings to myself. Foolishly
I believed that's what people wanted
from their Queen. Not to make a fuss
nor wear one's heart on one's sleeve,
duty first... self second.
The QUEEN stops..
ELIZABETH
It's how I was brought up. It's all
I've ever known
TONY
One forgets. You were so young when
you became Queen.
96.
The QUEEN drifts off..
ELIZABETH
I was. A girl.
Then pulls herself back..
ELIZABETH
But I can see the world has changed.
And one must 'modernise'.
TONY
Well, perhaps that's where I can help.
ELIZABETH
(with a twinkle as they set off)
Don't get ahead of yourself Prime-
minister, I think you'll find that I'm
supposed to be advising YOU!
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - GRAND STAIRCASE - DAY
The corridor outside. As the QUEEN passes JANVRIN, he
surreptitiously looks at his watch, and raises his eyebrow.
The QUEEN smiles..
INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - GARDENS - DAY
FOOTMEN open double-doors which lead out into the gardens.
The QUEEN and the PRIME MINISTER walk out..
ELIZABETH
So...what might we expect in your
first Parliament?
TONY clears his throat, then..
TONY
Well, Ma'am, top of the list is
education reform. We want to radically
reduce classroom sizes...
Our CAMERA slowly pulls back over the gardens, until the
QUEEN and TONY are two dots in the distance...
Time has moved on. Sand has covered the footprints.
The momentary hiccup that was `Diana' already long
forgotten..
FADE TO BLACK:
| Queen, The
Writers : Peter Morgan
Genres : Drama
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